Tonja Renae Hunter was born March 31, 1969 to Mr. Boykin Hunter, Sr. and the late Zellena C. Hunter in Birmingham, Alabama. Tonja is the youngest of six children. She accepted Christ at an early age at Saint Jospeh Baptist Church where Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. was pastor. She later joined Greater Shiloh Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley is the pastor. Tonja served on the Drama, Usher, Mission and We care Ministries. She also faithfully served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher until she was no longer able to do so. She worked very hard in the Kingdom of God while it was day. Tonja attended Pilgrim Lutheran School until completion of 5th grade, entering Graymont Elementary School for grades six-eight. Tonja graduated in June 1987 from Parker High School. Tonja was a vibrant, energetic, outgoing, brilliant young woman. After graduating from Parker High School in June 1987, Tonja attended Tuskegee University, and graduated from Lawson State in May 1995 with an Associate in Science Degree, Stillman College in May 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration. She later attended both the University of Alabama in Birminghm and Tuscaloosa. She graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in August 2002 with a Master of Science Degree in Library and Information Studies. Tonja worked in Birmingham City Schools as a Library Clerk at Wenonah Elementary and Center Street Middle School. Tonja has worked as a Librarian at Lawson State for many years. She was a very hard worker. Tonja was a fighter and strong minded, reminding others of her love for Christ. She never gave up on any task set before her. Tonja loved her pastor and church family. She loved her job as a librarian and she loved her family and friends. Tonja has faced many health challenges for 30 years of her life, but through it all God was with her. Tonja has fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept her faith in Christ. Tonja received her wings and transitioned from her earthly home to her new heavenly address on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 6:00 A.M. where God has laid up for her a crown of righteousness. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with entombment in Elmwood Mausoleum. She leaves to cherish her memories: a devoted father, Boykin Hunter, Sr.; four sisters, Juanita Sturdivant of Mobile, Alabama, Janie Hunter, Irene Hunter and Nelva (Gaston) Walker; one brother, Rev. Boykin (Sykina) Hunter, all of Birmingham, Alabama; five nephews, Jeffery (Keisha) Hunter, George Hunter, Michael Brown, all of Mobile, Alabama, Artis (Kim) Brown of Houston, Texas and Marzell Hunter of Birmingham, Alabama; one niece, Thateria Brown of Moblie, Alabama; a host of great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Tonja's special and devoted friends are Sandra Henderson, Erma Smith, Yvonne Monroe, Harold Dennard, Yancey Williams and many other relatives and friends.