Tanya Swinton

Tanya was born on October 27th, 1951 in Harlem, New York. She was the second of five children born to James Lewis Shepherd and Hazel Evelyn Thomas. After 65 wonderful years of life on November 4th, 2016 @ 11:45 P.M, surrounded by her two children, grandchildren, family and friends, Tanya Denise was finally able to rest. Her Life~ Mother, Sister, Friend Shortly before she was born, Tanya's parents began to learn the truth and study the Bible with Jehovah Witnesses. As she grew older she made the decision of making the truth her own. On June 1st 1967. Tanya decided to dedicate herself to Jehovah in Baptism. This brought great joy to both of her parents. Being a daddy's girl all her life, Tanya decided to start a family of her own. On July 21st 1971, Tanya gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Latangiala Jeannelle Boyd. Tanya would walk her daughter to school, holding her hand everywhere they went. Many times she would hear the voice of her daughter as she would look up at her and say " I Love You Mommy". Tanya thought her family was complete, but after seven years she soon discovered she was pregnant again. On January 26th 1978, Tanya gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Dakim Lamont Boyd "Doc". Her children were her pride and joy. In 1982 Tanya and her family moved down to Houston, Tx where she immediately found a job at HL&P and continued to work there until she was no longer able to work. Her children who later married and gave her grandchildren would always bring joy and laughter to her life. She always carried photo albums with pictures of all her grandchildren and would show them to everyone she would meet. Tanya loved to dance and sing, often changing the lyrics to songs or carrying out the tunes. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends playing games or simply spending quality time with them. She was very outgoing and loved to travel. Despite her health problems, Tanya was always willing to help others even if she could not afford to do so. There was no doubt that her love for others and love for Jehovah was greater than life itself. A Servant of Jehovah~ Faithful to the End In her last days with us, Tanya spent all her time doing what she loved most....Teaching others about Jehovah and his promises. Tanya was first diagnosed with Cancer back in 2006. During her treatments she continued to stay strong and positive because she knew in her heart that Jehovah was at her side. Those who knew Tanya very well were aware of something that Tanya was very proud of... "Her Hair". While most cover up their gray hair, Tanya was very proud of hers and would dress it up wearing a flower in it matching her outfit. However due to her treatments Tanya began to loose her beautiful hair. During a regular visit with her hairdresser, Tanya's hair fell out. Charlotte, who had been their family hair dresser for many years decided to shave off all her hair in honor of her dear friend Tanya. The story touched many as it made the news and came out in the paper. Tanya continued to go to her treatments until she was finished with them. For the past ten years Tanya had been Cancer free until it came back in March of 2016. This news however did not bring her down. Her love that she had for Jehovah continued to show as she stayed positive and continued to preach and declare The Good News. Tanya would speak to anyone who she would run into no matter what. During her visits to her doctor, therapy, hospital stays or even vacation, Tanya would let others know about the wonderful promises Jehovah God had in store for all mankind. One of her favorite things to share was the promise that no one would have to grow old and die. Revelation 21:3,4 was one of her favorite scriptures to share with them. Her experiences out in the Ministry would always bring joy to others. During her last days, Tanya received a handful of visitors everyday who would come to encourage her, but instead they were the ones who would leave encouraged by her because of her love and trust she had in Jehovah. Up until her last hours she was with us, Tanya would sleep with Kingdom Melodies, Dramas or JW Broadcasting playing in the background. Her last words to her daughter Latangiala were, "I'm proud of you" because she heard of how she had been making all her meetings and was trying to practice what she was learning. Her last words to her son Dakim were " I love you too, Please be there". She knew in her heart that if her children continue to do Jehovah's will, she would see them again. Our Dear Sister will be truly missed, but is now resting and awaiting the day until she sees us all again. This is not a Goodbye.... It's an I'll see you soon... Tanya was preceded in death by her parents: James Lewis Shepherd and Hazel Evelyn Thomas and her two brothers: James Jr. and Barry Lynn Shepherd. Tanya is survived by her Daughter: Latangiala Jeannelle Boyd, her Son: Dakim Lamont Boyd "Doc", & Daughter in Law: Kristy Boyd. 7~ Grandchildren: Stephon Rodgers, Shatwon and his wife Felicia Rodgers, Tanise and her husband Phelan Williams & Prince, Angel, Romeo and Princess Boyd. 6~ Great Grandchildren: Lezah, Cassidy, Joziah, Khalil, Kyrai & Lyrik. Siblings: Carmen Donita Feliciano & Louis Wayne Shepherd. The family would like to express a very special Thanks for all of the Love and Support everyone has shown. & From Tanya to All in attendance a very special HELLO!

Tanya Swinton

November 5, 2016