It is with a heavy heart that the family announces the unexpected passing of Tonja Jean Helton at her home in Lakeland, Florida, at the young age of 50. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 2, 1974, and she moved with our family to the Florida area in 1985.

She leaves behind her parents Earl & Candy Qualls. Her siblings Tracy (Chris) Smith, Gary Helton, Earl Ray II (Tracey) Qualls, Alicia Qualls and Katie (Robb) O’Dell. Her nieces and nephews Erika (Elliott) Purdy their children Jackson and Bennett, Ashtyn Smith, Jacob Qualls, MaKenzy Qualls, Silas O’Dell, Grace O’Dell and Molly O’Dell. She also leaves behind her step-mother Leann Helton.

She was preceded in death by her father Harold Helton (2022), along with her favorite Uncle Randy Helton (2020) as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Her fur babies that she leaves behind will miss her greatly. Tonja leaves behind her fur babies, who meant the world to her. Bear, Brady, Duke, Mena, Lulu, Daphne, and Anya loved her unconditionally and will miss her immensely. Tonja also leaves behind a mountain of friends and framily that cared about her deeply and that she loved and adored unconditionally.

Tonja is a graduate of East Bay High School (Gibsonton, FL). She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL). Drawn to the justice system, she attended Stetson Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Known for her beautiful, radiant smile and fiercely loyal spirit, Tonja brought warmth and authenticity to every room she entered. A true lover of life’s simple pleasures is having the first cup of coffee in the morning or her usual afternoon “Coke and a smoke.” Tonja had a deep appreciation for Italian food, especially Olive Garden Chicken Parm.

Her love of travel took her to many places that she always thought were glamorous, and she loved a good souvenir for her friends and family. One of her favorite places to visit with the "girls" is Las Vegas. However, home was always where family came first. Tonja was family-oriented, deeply valuing connection, tradition, and quality time with loved ones.

An animal lover and advocate, Tonja had a tender heart for furry companions and believed in showing kindness whenever possible. Her intelligence, strong values, and unwavering loyalty touched countless pets' lives, leaving behind many special memories of her with her fur babies that she cared for during her lifetime will be treasured forever.

A celebration of life to honor Tonja's legacy and to celebrate her joyful life that she shared with so many will be held at a later date. At this time, we are looking into dates for the middle of June. We will make updates as they become available so that people can plan accordingly.

With Tonja being such an animal advocate, we ask that in place of flowers, the family invite you to donate to an animal shelter near you. You can also light a candle in Tonja’s honor, or simply enjoy a good meal and raise a glass to a life lived with passion.

Below are a few links for the shelters that are near the area where Tonja lived and worked, should you choose to donate to one of these:

Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center Donations: https://hcprfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/203968-hcprf-general-support
Polk County Florida Humane Society Donations: https://www.humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org/donate/