Obituary

Toyanica Shante' Burris

December 20, 1975 - June 13, 2023

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”    Romans 8:38-39

Toyanica Shante’ Burris, affectionately known as “Toya” was born December 20, 1975, to Carol Darden Smith and the late Barry Brumfield. She was reared by her stepfather, the late Alton Smith.

She was a lifetime active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Toya was a proud 1993 graduate of Bogalusa High School. Years later, she worked diligently to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. After graduating as an LPN from Pearl River Community College in 2000, this path inspired her to continue her education, thereby earning her RN degree in 2011 from PRCC.

She practiced nursing numerous years at various locations including V.A. Hospital in Houston, TX, Dr. Tony Palazzo Pediatric Clinic, LeBlanc Pediatrics Covington, LA, Bogalusa Medical Center Labor and Delivery, Washington Parish Health Unit in Franklinton and Bogalusa, and Holistic Behavior Health. Because of her drive and motivation, many times she would work two jobs despite her health challenges.

Toya’s memory shall be cherished by her mother, Carol Darden Smith, children: Cardeja Burris and John Downey, III; She was “Yaya” to her grand-daughter Raina Burris, the pride and joy of her life; Brother: Ramah Smith; Sisters: Candice Brumfield and Jasmin Riley all of Bogalusa; Aunts: Tonia Collins and Etta Smith of Bogalusa, Sherry Landers of Dayton, OH, and Rosetta Brumfield-Brown of Houston, TX; Uncles: Dr. Raven Evans, Joseph Magee and Charles Darden, Jr. all of Bogalusa and Larry Brumfield of Houston, TX; Niece: Kai’Dynce McCree; Nephews: Amari Smith,  Amir Smith of Covington, LA;  K’Saan Smith  and Ramahj Smith of LaPlace, LA; God-children: Arian Foster and Ta’Koyah Collins; God -aunts: Lyttron Burris of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Tonyah B. Jefferson of Bogalusa; Devoted lifetime friend: Janel Brown of Bogalusa, La; as well as a host of great aunts, uncles, cousins, her KREWE, classmates and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Barry Brumfield, stepfather Alton Smith, Maternal grandparents: Katherine and Charles Darden; Paternal grandparents: Iola and Virgil Brumfield; Uncles: Charles Brumfield and Ralph Darden, and a host of other relatives.

A Drive Through viewing will be held  Friday, June 23, 2023 from 3PM- 6PM  at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel, Bogalusa, La. A Funeral will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 1PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Internment at Bogalusa Cemetery. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, LA are in charge of arrangements.