Tonya Renee Yow

It was a real blessing and an honor, having known Tonya Renee Yow as my dance teacher. I truly enjoyed every moment that I spend with her. This is my short story about how I had the honor of knowing Tonya Renee Yow. My Name is Timothy Ray Thompson, and back then I live in Henrico County, Virginia in the Richmond, VA area, and I still do as of January 1, 2022. It was in 1985 that I walked into an Arthur Murray Dance Studio (School) on west broad street in Henrico County, Virginia. (Richmond, VA area) I was a student for 3 1/2 years and Tonya Renee Yow was teaching me how to dance. She was the very last teacher that I had before I taught ballroom dancing. The year was about 1987/1988. Tonya’s sister Theresa Vaughan was the manager of Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Tonya Renee Yow had such a calm, sweet personality, and I could tell she had a great spirit about her. In my mind, I thought to myself that I would have loved to have dated Tonya Renee Yow. She would have been my dream girl. I am just saying! There were rules at the dance Studio that would have prevented that. However, just the same, I was shy with woman, and so I kept my thoughts to myself. She gave me lessons, and we danced together, and I enjoyed every moment with her. We danced a foxtrot routine together at a showcase. I have this routine on DVD as we practiced this before the exhibition, which would have been in a hotel in the Richmond, VA area. I have some videos of us dancing together as we practiced. During this time in my life, (1988) I was given the opportunity to teach Ballroom Dancing at the studio in Silver Spring, Maryland. During the last lesson I had with Ms. Yow, she had a sore on her lip. Now I was preparing to move to Silver Spring, Maryland, when I got the news that Tonya Yow had Cancer and I was learning why she had a sore on her lip. I was told by Teresa Vaughan that she had fainted on the dance floor and was taken to the hospital. I was told that she was teaching a lesson and passed out. All I know is she died within two years of the time she passed out on the dance floor. I wish I could talk to Tonya. I think most people would consider me nuts if I were to say that I have had dreams and wish we could have been together, married forever. I love her! But our paths went in different directions. After all, I look back at dancing and it was the most enjoyable time of my life and Tonya was a beautiful woman with a tremendous calming spirit, and I love that about her, for she could be silly at times, full of life. As a student once in a while, I could have my dancing filmed on video. I watch the video later and noticed Tonya blushing at the camera. She is so precious. Another moment when Terry Dean was filming us; Tonya would wink at Terry. This was Tonya Yow being silly. She was, in my heart, the one person who could light up a room. I believe marriage can be forever and so I pray she will wait for me on the other side. But even if that were true, I have a life here and have much to do. But my memory of Tonya Yow will always be in my heart. It is just the way I am, and I don’t stop loving people just because decades have passed away. Now as I have become much older I love her even more. The memory becomes even more sharper, proving love never fades. Thank You, Tonya Renee Yow, for the best moment of my life. Time seems so short, but I treasure my memory of a beautiful lady, and that is Tonya Renee Yow for sure. How I wish you could come back to me, but one day we will meet again. If anyone reads this and has information on Tonya Yow, please let me know. Photos etc. As of 2020, I have ended up with some photos, and they’re posted here. Much Love - Timothy R Thompson Posted April 24, 2013 Updated Jan 30, 2015, because I care. Updated Again: May 23, 2015 Updated: Aug 7, 2015 - correct spelling errors Updated Again: Nov 19, 2016: changed clarify the story and correct errors. I also added the only photo I have of Tonya Yow. Friday, August 17, 2018–Updated errors 7-31-2020 - Some minor changes 10-30-2022 - Made Corrections added a little. Made is easier to read. 7-23-2023 - It has been well over ten years since I first posted this. Nothing has changed, still my heart beats for her. My Prayer; Dear God, Can I be with Tonya Renee Yow one day forever as my companion? Please. Not my will, but thy will be done. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Only if she would have me, her free will. Thank you, this is my prayer while on this earth. Tim Thompson 2309 Oakwood Lane Henrico, VA 23228 PHONE: (804) 836-5957 Information on Tonya Renee Yow, please contact me, God Bless - Thank You MAY 26, 1941 - NOVEMBER 7, 2019 Carol A. Osborne passed away at her home on November 7, 2019. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 16, 2019 in the Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel. Graveside services will be private. Carol was born to Ulyess and Etta Chriscoe on May 26, 1941. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tonya Yow, husband, Cecil Osborne, and sister, Mae Koromhs. She is survived by her sister, Alice Gray; children, Debbie Yow Nayman and husband John, Teresa Yow Bean and husband Kenneth, Billy Yow and wife Keri, Crystal Yow Foster and husband David, John Chriscoe; stepchildren, Robert Osborne Jr. and wife Mindy, David Osborne; grandchildren, Brandy Yow Johnson and husband Matt, Colon Yow and fiancée Ashley, Kevin Foster and wife Eden and Cameron Foster; great-grandchildren, Adison Johnson, Jack and Elliot Foster. Carol was a loved and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend and we will all miss her dearly. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com. Hanes Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel 6000 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407