Tonji Rhea (Taylor) Smith

Tonji Rhea Smith, age 66, passed away on February 9, 2026. She was born on September 14, 1959, in McKinney, Texas, where she was also raised.

Tonji was the daughter of the late Van Herman Taylor and Patsy Ruth (McCleskey) Taylor. She grew up in Cedar Hill and dedicated her life to her family and home.

On January 18, 1992, Tonji married the love of her life, Mike Smith. Together they shared many years of marriage filled with love, family, and cherished memories. Tonji was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for those she loved.

She was a longtime resident of Alvarado, Texas.

Tonji was preceded in death by her father, Van Herman Taylor; her mother, Patsy Ruth Taylor; her brothers, Mike Taylor and Eddie Taylor; and her stepson, Kerry Smith.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mike Smith of Alvarado; her son, Michael Smith; her daughter, Mary Cox; her stepdaughter, Cherie Kozera; and her sister, Karen Boyd.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chloe Smith, Makayla Bowman Smith, James Gray, Deacon Cox, Arthur Cox, Casey Stroud, Danielle Stroud, Bryan Barnes, Britne Kozera, Alissa England and Brooke Mesman; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Tonji will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the quiet strength, love, and care she gave throughout her life.

Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Clayton Kay Vaughan Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Kerry McDaniel. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Alvarado, Texas.

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