Tonya Marie Martinez-Hilton

(2/24/1969-12/1/2011) Over the past several weeks my thoughts have been on my friend Tonya. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year, and her health has been rapidly declining. You may be wondering how does a girl native to Virginia become friends with a girl from Upstate New York. Tonya and I met at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It must have been during the summer of 1977 or 1978. Our families were camping at the same campground, and we struck up a friendship. When the time came to go home, we exchanged addresses, and we kept up our friendship through letters. I used to have all of my letters (from multiple pen pals and friends who had moved away), but at some point after I left home, my father decided that they weren't necessary and either threw them away or burned them. I don't recall how often we wrote; whether it was monthly or just a few times a year. I just remember that we shared important milestones in our lives and some of the everyday stuff that happens. In 1984 Tonya invited me to visit her in Albany and stay with her family for a week during the summer. After some phone calls between the parents, everything was worked out, and a month or two later, I was boarding an airplane at National Airport in Washington, D. C. Tonya and her mom picked me up at the airport in Albany a couple of hours later. This was still in the days when air travel was more of a pleasure and an adventure. I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out that Tonya's neighborhood in Colonie wasn't so different from the Northern Virginia suburbs that I had grown up seeing. I met Tonya's dad and her three sisters: Amy, Anda, and Pepita. It turned out that living with sisters wasn't much different from having a brother. Being 14 at the time, we spent the week doing typical teenage stuff. We ate lunch at the local Pizza Hut and checked out the new releases at the record store. I accompanied Tonya on her paper route. We biked to her friend's houses and watched MTV, which I had never seen since cable was unheard of where I lived, or played games. We swam in her pool. Her parents had a lobster bake (another first for me) with extended family. I also recall attending church with her family. There came a time during the service when everyone lined up and little wafers and juice were served. This was my introduction to communion. I struck up a friendship with her neighbor as well. I remember the discussion we all had about regional accents. We were having so much fun that when the end of the week was approaching, we didn't want it to end. Somehow we managed to talk everyone into allowing me to stay longer. I think it was another week, but it may have just been a few more days. All we had to do was run to the airport and change the ticket to a later date. I assure you that, as previously stated this was a different time, and changing the ticket was not the ordeal that it is today. As I recall, it was relatively easy. Finally, the time came when I really did have to return home. Other adventures awaited that summer. We had grand plans though. Tonya invited me to travel with her family later that summer to Nova Scotia. I did make it to Nova Scotia, but not that summer. We also decided that Tonya should come to my house for a week or two the following summer. Unfortunately, that never happened. I don't recall why she wasn't able to come (if I still had my letter archive, I could look it up), but I know we were both disappointed. After that things got busy for both of us, and we didn't keep up with each other like we had in the past. In September 1995 when I got married, I sent an announcement to Tonya and her family. What a surprise it was to receive a reply that included her wedding announcement as well! It turns out that we got married within a month of each other. In the intervening years, I've been busy raising a family and homeschooling, and Tonya has been busy with her husband and her job. After succumbing to the lure of Facebook, I looked up Tonya and her family and was able to connect with Tonya's sisters and husband. I had hoped to eventually meet up with Tonya in person at some point through our various travels. Unfortunately, that was not to be. God had other plans. I pray that as it says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rest in peace, Tonya.

In Memoriam

James Maurice Edward Smith, 66, of Catlett died March 27 at Fauquier Hospital due to complications of leukemia. He was born on November 30, 1939, in Washington, D. C. to Ruby Steele Kincer Smith and Maurice Augustine Smith who preceded him in death. Mr. Smith attended Culpeper County High School and Anacostia High School before joining the Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1969. He spent his career as a mechanical engineer in civil service working mainly for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired in 1998. After retirement he spent time traveling to Florida, New Mexico, and Costa Rica. He is survived by his daughter Kanoa Ratliff and her husband David Ratliff of Somerville; his son Daryl Smith and his wife Michaelle Smith of Catlett; two grandsons, Preston Reece Ratliff and Ian James Ratliff; and two step granddaughters, Ashley Elizabeth Allen and Erin Lynne Allen. He is also survived by his former wife Henrietta Anne Smith of Catlett, his sister Ramona Donaldson of Maryland, and his sister Judy Taff of Sunrise, FL. He was a kind hearted man who would give someone the moon if he could reach it. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Summer Camp 2011

Bean writes from camp...

To: Family

So we moved to cabin 5 because bees came into cabin 4 and stung a kid. But otherwise the week has been fine. We went caving today and in case you don't know what day it is, it is Tuesday.

Love,