Latonya Cheray Heard

October 6, 1964 - May 26, 2022

Sunrise October 6, 1964 Sunset May 26, 2022 Latonya Cheray Heard, affectionately known by “TonkaBonk” passed suddenly on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. She was a beloved daughter, sister and aunt. Born October 6,1964 to the late Joseph and the late Mae Ann Heard, she has been a lifelong resident in the University City area of West Philadelphia. Latonya was educated at Archbishop Ryan school for the Deaf (Philadelphia, PA), St. Rita’s School for the Deaf (Cincinnati, Oh), the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (Washington, D.C.) and Rochester Institute (Rochester, NY). Professionally, she devoted over 23 years to the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. Her most recent position was as a teacher’s aid. Being deaf herself she overcame many obstacles in life and through these experiences provided a warm and nurturing environment within her classroom to help her students grow and develop. She worked tirelessly to challenge her students to be the best that they could be in life. Latonya was proud to work with the Black Deaf Advocacy Group where she held the secretary position for many years. In her spare time, she liked to shop, socialize with her friends and relax at home watching reality television shows. She will be remembered as a loving, caring, talented and giving lady who was dedicated to helping those in need around her. Sadly, Latonya will be missed by her loving sister Charlene V. Heard and by her nephew Myles S. McGaughy. She was preceded in death by a special aunt Shirley J. Heard. She leaves behind aunts and uncles, a host of cousins and many adoring students and faculty at the school. Memorial Services will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made to https://gofund.me/c93764fd