Toni Lynn Ryan

RYAN,

Toni Lynn Ryan, age 58, was born Friday, October 3, 1952 in Washington Courthouse, Ohio. She departed this life at Mount Carmel West Hospital and was granted her wings on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that she had touched in so many special ways. Toni was baptized at Pilgrim Baptist Church and was a member of Oakley Full Gospel. Later in life, she developed a personal relationship with the lord and was dedicated to turning her life around. Toni was a true Christian and had a strong passion to do the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was an active member at Agape Full Gospel International Ministries where she enjoyed serving on the Usher Board, Choir and Children Ministry. Toni worked for Lifecare Alliance where she prepared healthy meals for local senior citizens. She continued to serve the public as a receptionist for Firstlink where she helped those in need of food, clothing and shelter. Toni loved working with children and they loved her. She volunteered to read with children at Highland Elementary School. Toni also volunteered as a Vacation Bible School Teacher at the Hilltop United Methodist Church and volunteered in the food and clothing pantry at the Hilltop Lutheran Church. Toni had such a gentle kind spirit and lived life to the fullest. She loved dressing up and showing off her many fashionable outfits. Toni is preceded in death by her father, Ray N. Powell, Sr.; former husband, Larry Shepherd, Sr.; daughters, Betty and LaVeda Shepherd. Left to cherish her memory is mother, Betty Powell; children, Antonetta (Christopher) Dillon, Larry (Felicia) Shepherd, Jr., Nate Shepherd, Sr. (Yvette Tanyhill); brothers, Alvin (Robin) Powell, Bishop Ray N.(Linda) Powell, Jr., Roderick Powell, and James (Pam) Powell; sisters, Valerie Powell, Jackie Rouse, and Rose Powell; 17 grandchildren, Kristine, Karissa, Toné, Tonya, Larry III, Shatonna, Donté, Jalisa, Elijah, DonNiesha, James, Nate Jr., Jonathan, Jasmine, and Nyah; a host of nieces and nephews; special friend, James (Chuckles) and a host of family friends.

“God loves us the way we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way.” Leighton Ford