La'Tosha Stoney

La’Tosha Jodelle Stoney, affectionately known as “Tosha,” was our beloved daughter, sister, mother, and Nala. She was the eldest of five children, born to Linda Annette Marie Thomas and Chester “Butch” Edward Stoney, Jr., on August 22, 1974, in Harrisburg, PA. La’Tosha graduated from Harrisburg High School, class of 1992, where she participated in theatre, cheerleading and band front. Throughout her lifetime, she held many professional roles where she thrived in being in service to others, including inpatient access associate, executive assistant, and operations manager at various health organizations and Lancôme beauty counter manager. A true Leo, she radiated confidence and generosity. She found her greatest joy in pursuing her artistic passions. A self-taught artist, writer, poet, and creative soul, she eagerly shared her talents with others. Always curious, she sought a deeper understanding of the world, especially through reading about numerology and astrology. She also enjoyed shopping, often for others, with a particular love for unique glasses and a collection of sneakers in various colors and styles, favoring Adidas and Chuck Taylors. Leopard print was one of her favorite fashion choices. In her memory, her family plans to wear leopard print flowers and shoes as a tribute. La’Tosha was a loving and devoted mother to her cherished daughter, Journey Zion-Epiphané Cooksey. She poured her heart into nurturing and guiding Journey with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast love, always believing in her daughter’s potential and purpose. Becoming a grandmother brought La’Tosha great joy. Her grandchildren—Hai’Lôe Dream Stoney-Jones, Hendrix Harlem Stoney-Jones, and Hayze Indigo Stoney-Jones—were her brightest lights, and she served as their safe haven. They brought endless light and laughter into her life. Though she has departed this world, her love remains ever-present, guiding and protecting them. Her spirit will live on through them, carrying her love, grace, and joy that defined her. To her nieces and nephews, Aunt Tosha was everything; the sun rose and set on her. She often called herself the Best Aunt Ever or “B.A.E.” to her nieces, Samani Kei’daura Wallace, Sanai Kei’aura-Lynn Wallace, Kadyn Alaia DeVan, and Sage Stoney, and nephews, Kevin Terrell DeVan, Jr., Samuel Kenneth Wallace, Jr., and Noah Jahsani Wallace. To her, each of them was a star, and she was their biggest supporter, never missing a recital, concert, graduation, or any event to celebrate their successes. As the eldest daughter of Butch and Linda, she cherished her role within the close-knit family she called the “BnB Gang.” This affectionate nickname reflected their strong bond, built on love, laughter, and mutual support, demonstrating her steadfast dedication to family. To her younger siblings, Naisha Jahna Wallace, Kalisha Ann DeVan, Dara Lynn Stoney, and Chester E. Stoney, III, she was a loyal supporter, fierce protector, and enthusiastic cheerleader, embodying the most loving and generous big sister. Her love also extended to her brothers-in-law, Samuel Kenneth Wallace and Kevin Terrell DeVan, Sr. La’Tosha was a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on women offenders and victims of domestic violence. She was loved throughout Harrisburg for her kind and generous nature; she was seen as everyone’s “sister.” Her deep roots remained in the Uptown Harrisburg neighborhood where she was raised. Her devotion to her immediate family, extended family, friends, and the community was boundless. She loved preparing delicious meals and was always quick with a word of praise, a funny joke, or just an all-encompassing hug that made any situation a little better for those on the receiving end. She was loved and supported throughout her life by her aunt Gertrude Wilkerson and cousin Nicole Wilkerson, as well as her godparents, Ruth R. Jackson, Teresa Green Banks, Deidre Walker, and Loretta and Brian Folks. On October 8, 2025, at the age of fifty-one, La’Tosha’s vibrant, beautiful soul departed this Earth, and God made a place for her in His Kingdom in Heaven, joining in eternal rest, her eldest daughter, Butter’Fly Dream Stoney; paternal grandparents, Chester E. Stoney, Sr., and Dorothy Jenkins Stoney; maternal grandfather, Thomas Cofield, and her aunts, Beverly Porter and Shirley Jefferies. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her parents; her youngest daughter; her maternal grandmother, JoAn Thomas, her siblings, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and a host of other family members and friends who loved her deeply and will continue to hold close all the memories of the rich life La’Tosha lived.

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La'Tosha Stoney

August 22, 1974 - October 8, 2025