Tonya Marie Green

Tonya Marie Burgess Green, age 51, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, North Carolina, after a long and courageous battle with NASH disease. Born on August 30, 1973, in Fort Myers, Florida, Tonya spent most of her life in Owensboro, Kentucky, before relocating to Garner, North Carolina earlier this year.

Tonya is lovingly remembered by her three children: Melissa Faye (Adam) Beitler, Hannah Rose (Kel) Allen, and Mark Thomas Earl Allen. She is also survived by her parents, Deborah and William Tice and Harold and Cynthia Burgess; her siblings Tamera (Lee) Musgrave, James Tice, Cheryl Miller, Josh (Krista) Campbell, Hal (Ali) Burgess Jr., Justin (Alice) Burgess, and Andrew (Jessica) Burgess. She was preceded in death by her infant son Noah John Allen; her fiancé Erik Allen Worden; her brother Jeremiah Campbell and sister Erica Tice.

Tonya dedicated much of her career to food service in the Owensboro Kentucky Public Schools system. She began at Foust Elementary School and later served as Food Service Manager at Estes Elementary School and Cravens Elementary School from 2007 to 2023. She also worked for Brescia College in food service in 2023. After moving to Garner, NC in 2024, she joined Walmart as a cashier. Known affectionately as "Miss Tonya," she was beloved by the schoolchildren she served and will be remembered for her warm heart and generous spirit.

In her spare time, Tonya enjoyed crafting, reading, baking, cooking, fishing, and listening to music-especially Pink. She cherished moments spent driving with her son, letting the wind blow through their hair as they listened to their favorite songs.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner, NC. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.