Tonya LaSalle Darling Smothers, 62, passed away Monday, August 4, 2025 at her home in Lexington.

Born April 24, 1963 in Lexington to the late William "Smokey" Darling & Myrtis White, she had been a member of the Kentucky Army National Guard and was a former employee of Hunter Manufacturing & Toyota Motor Manufacturing. Tonya enjoyed writing, especially poetry and scripture interpretation, and she loved the Lord.

Surviving are 4 children: Shontarius Darling, Ratasha Darling, Rozneik (Elizabeth) Darling & Raven (Donte) Dixon; a brother, William Darling; and 13 grandchildren: LaMia, Alexis, Keyana, Sky, Janessa, Malik, Jeremiah, Malachi, JayShon, Dallas, Khalil "KJ", RoHan & Eliroza.

Also preceding her in death were 3 brothers: Jere White, Kevin Darling & Scott Darling.

In accordance with her wishes, Tonya will be cremated with no formal services.