Tonya Antoinette Canty

TONYA  ANTOINETTE CANTY, (47) was born October 11, 1973, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to the late Cassandra Denise Canty.  She departed this earthly journey on May 31, 2021 (on her Nana’s birthday) at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Catherine Brantley Canty, who raised her, and her aunt, Millicent Canty Burgess.                 

Tonya attended Horry County Schools and graduated from Myrtle Beach High School in 1992.  While a student at Myrtle Beach High School, she attended the Grand Strand Career Center where she studied Graphic Design.  She was a member of the Lady Seahawks Basketball team, voted Most Athletic, and crowned the 1991 Homecoming Queen.  It has been widely shared by her classmates that “TC” was the class clown.  She always found a way to make you laugh or smile, even in negative or challenging situations.  After graduation, Tonya began employment with Horry County Schools at Myrtle Beach Primary as a Teacher’s Assistant.  Her last place of employment for over 15 years was with the City of Myrtle Beach as a Youth Counselor at Pepper Geddings Recreation Center.

Tonya was the family’s entertainer.  When we thought she wasn’t paying attention, she would get home and repeat verbatim every word and expression, including prayers and songs.  She was the BEST impersonator of so many people in the community, some of whom are possibly here today.  Tonya loved to dance and listen to Old School music.  Two of her favorite songs were “Candy Girl” by New Edition and “Rub You the Right Way” by Johnny Gill.  She enjoyed spending time with family, especially with her “girls” Madisyn, Fallon, Aubrie, Rylie, and Kennedi, whom she loved dearly.

Tonya leaves to cherish her memories, her sister, Annie Canty of Myrtle Beach, SC; three (3) aunts: Martha (Thad) Gore, Cynthia (Jeffero) Small, and Mary “Cookie” (Eric) Goings of Myrtle Beach, SC; two (2) uncles: James “Beaver” Canty and Frank Burgess of Myrtle Beach, SC; three (3) great-aunts: Wilhelmenia Maybank and Willa Dean of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Geneva Bessant of Conway, SC; and three (3) first cousins whom she considered sisters: Rita White of Mount Holly, NC, Britanna (Kenneth) Wilson of Columbia, SC and Taria (Darrell) Porter of Killeen, TX.  Tonya’s family circle extended beyond blood and includes, Ms. Roslyn Campbell and children of Charleston, SC, Mr. and Mrs. Cal Grissett and children of Myrtle Beach, SC; longtime friend: Valarie Young of Myrtle Beach, SC; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Tonya A. Canty of Myrtle Beach passed on May 31, 2021. A Homegoing Celebration will be held at 12:00 Noon, Monday, June 7, 2021, at the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, Myrtle Beach.  There will be a public viewing from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory, Myrtle Beach Chapel. 

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