At least 100 people crowded into a backyard in Canton to a remember a veteran firefighter and mother.
On Saturday night, family, friends and neighbors gathered with candles to pray and share stories of their love for Johnson. Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei and Fire Chief Tom Garra paid visits.
Amazing vigil for Tonya Johnson, the Canton fire dept veteran who was killed in traffic. Lots of questions still. pic.twitter.com/cFW4SOMZc4
— Derick Waller WEWS (@derickwallerTV) February 28, 2016
Johnson’s children said she told them every day how much she loved them.
“I hear that every morning. I just hear it. I hear it in my dreams. I hear it every day I wake up. I love you all the days, Mari, and it meant so much to me,” Johnson’s 12-year-old daughter Temaria Johnson said.
Her son DeJon Newell read a recent text message she sent him.
“I love you beyond measure forever and always will be with you,” Newell read aloud. "I promise nothing could ever separate me from you guys.”
This was cut from the TV story for time, but at a vigil tonight for Canton firefighter Tonya Johnson, a close relative shared a really heartfelt story about her. Very touching. https://t.co/2B4xfyY6iR
Posted by Derick Waller on Saturday, February 27, 2016
Velma Moore-Pruitt, who Johnson would call Aunt Velma, recalled a story from an annual family cook out they both attended last July 4th.
“And Tonya had her Corvette there last year and she just was just letting people ride it up and down the road she was like, ‘Oh, go ahead,’ so she kept on saying, ‘Aunt Velma, You can ride in it.’ And I said, ‘Can I drive in it?’ and she said, ‘Yes, go ahead,’ but after so many people had driven in it, I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll get in it next year.’” Moore-Pruitt said before pausing to hold back tears.
"My memories of Tonya will live on,” she said.
Johnson was known for her big smile and sense of fashion. She was often seen in heels. But she also had a big heart. Besides working as a firefighter in Canton for 18 years, she worked with the developmentally disabled.
There were at least 100 people in attendance, but Johnson’s mother, Debbie Collins Massey, said at least ten times as many people were expected at her funeral on Monday.
“We don’t even know that many people,” Massey said. "I think they just, they’re feeling my pain. They’re feeling my pain and they just want to show their support. I appreciate it.”
The story of how Johnson darted into traffic earlier this week still did not make sense to anyone in attendance.
“I know it wasn’t no suicide. I know she didn’t jump out because she wanted to,” her son Trevor Boone said.
“I’m just torn up right now, but right now I’m just grateful, so grateful that she was in our life for as long as she was,” Massey said, “But unanswered questions, but it’s okay, God’s got this. I imagine one day the truth will come to the light.”
Calling hours for Johnson are Monday morning at 10 at First Christian Church in Plain Township. Funeral services will follow.
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