LaTonya Michelle Pride

Published 12:51 am Friday, October 7, 2011

LaTonya Michelle Pride was born to the union of Leon and Frances Pride on Feb. 7, 1971, at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta by Dr. Thomas Mosley Sr. During the final weeks of her life here, she bore the burdens for others and labored intensely for their salvation with the Lord, before she departed to her earthy home on Oct. 3, 2011. At an early age, Michelle accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Her baptism took place on Oct. 15, 1978 at Day Spring Baptist Church, Valdosta, Ga. by the Rev. Thomas Price. She ventured the world as many do and traveled throughout Europe. Later in life, Michelle’s thrust for knowledge; wisdom and understanding lead her to Pastor and Evangelist Bunion. Through their Biblical mentoring, she rededicated her life to Christ and became a member of Church at Pine Hill, Valdosta, Ga. After coming to know Christ was a forgiving God, and He loved her unconditionally, she was then able to set  obtainable goals for her life. She worshipped God  in a way that was acceptable and pleasing to Him. Michelle enrolled in college, learned how to swim, became very  proactive in her daughter’s educational development, and she taught “Keke” what it means to have good values and morals. This she knew to be true because this was taught to her Mother, and her Mother taught her and  she realized this  will help her daughter to become a productive and self sufficient citizen just as these attributes had carried her through challenging  times and conditioned her to be successful in life. One might say, “She enjoyed life and made each day count.”

Michelle was preceded in death by her grandmother, Oral Bell Roundtree and great-grandparents (Deacon) Leroy and (Mother) Willie B. Anderson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories; her loving daughter, Sha’Que (Keke) Whitted; beloved Mother, SSG (Ret) Frances Pride (USA); father and step mother, Leon Pride (Annie Grace); god father, CPT (Ret) Leroy Smith of Valdosta; two sisters, April E. Pride, Raleigh, N.C., Sharon C. Pride, Columbus, Ga.; two brothers, Leon Ross, San Diego, Calif., Michael Garrision, Valdosta; god brother, Raheem  Goolsby, Raleigh, N.C.; grandparents, Sammie and Eloise  Pride Sr.,  of Valdosta; god grandmother, Evangelist Emma D. Jones (Albert) of Valdosta; 13 aunts; nine uncles; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends; and her best friend, Yolanda Terry of Raleigh, N.C.

Michelle  accomplishments are; She was a Certified Instructor and Counselor with Compass Inc., West Palm Beach/Boca Raton, Fla.; an Advocate for Community Care Programs; an Employment Representative for Georgia/Florida Labor; an Event Planner for Leroy’s BBQ; Bookkeeper for Pride Trucking Company; an Executive Officer at Weddings and Special Events in West Palm Beach, Fla. and Valdosta; Financial Accounting Tech for Telemon, Raleigh, N.C. and a member of the YMCA.

Michelle attended Valdosta public schools, Frankfurt American High School in Frankfurt, Germany, a graduate of Continental Academy High School, Miramar, Fla. and was attending Wiregrass Georgia Technical College as a Business  major.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at Church at Pine Hill, 2176 Clay Road, Valdosta, “Celebration of Life”  by Evangelist Vera Bunion.

The  family will receive visitors this evening from 7-8 p.m. at McCrae-Godfrey Mortuary Services, 1601 Park Ave. — McCrae-Godfrey Mortuary Services