Toni Lee Lillard Martin Thurman November 4, 1953 – February 23, 2014
Toni passed away on February 23, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. Toni was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 4,1953. She attended Arsenal Tech High School. Toni was married to Bobby Martin on February 21, 1976 and had two children, Brian and Tonya. Toni was a self employed housekeeper, whom was cared for deeply by her clients. Toni was an avid sports fan. Her favorite teams were the Colts and the Cubs. She loved watching the games with her grandson Bobby. She also worked and played softball at Metro Park for many years. She enjoyed bowling on a league with her friends at Expo Bowl as well. You could count on Toni to be at anyone of her nephews’ baseball or basketball games. She was always there to cheer them on and show her support. Toni loved her nieces and nephews very much. She always took the time to talk and play with them. She had a special place in heart for her great niece “Babydoll Nana”. Toni was a family person, her family was very important to her. She loved spending time with her family, rather it be just hanging out, going to lunch and a movie with the sisters, and always looked forward to the family cookouts. Toni will be loved and missed tremendously. She will always be in our hearts.
Toni is survived by her son, Brian, his wife, Heidi Lillard; grandson, Bobby Lillard; grandson, Blake Buchanan; great granddaughter, Sophia; brother, Mike (Barbara) Lillard; sisters, Sandy (Sam) Meadows, Peggy (Tommy) Martin, Tammy Hubbard (Kim Anderson), and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Toni was preceded in death by her parents, William and Erma Lillard .Her husband and daughter Bobby and Tonya Martin, and her brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Herbie Lillard and her sister, Cathy McNeil.
Special Thanks to Nurse Amy at Southern Care Hospice and Nurse Shannon for the amazing job they did in taking care of Toni and supporting the family.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th at Warren Park Wesleyan Church, 6401 E. 14th Street, Indianapolis, IN. Friends may call from 1 0 a.m. until service time. She will be laid to rest at Washington Park East Cemetery.
Barbie Visker-Hubbard says
The family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan (Shepherd) Mansfield says
My heart goes out to you all in this time of loss. I haven’t seen ya’ll often or much in the past 15 years but you are still in my heart on on my mind. Much loves and many prayers. <3
Susan
Kathy Sutterfield says
I had the privilege of being Toni’s neighbor and friend for the past 8 or 9 years. She was the perfect neighbor – always willing to stop and say hi, to talk about the latest happenings with her beloved family, or to share in a little yard work or snow shoveling – usually with a Mountain Dew near by! I will miss her smile, and her stories and just knowing that such a great person was next door.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of her family and friends – I can’t even imagine how much you all must be hurting and missing her, if I am missing her this much as only her neighbor. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
If it is any consolation, I am so happy that Toni didn’t suffer long, and that she was surrounded to the end by the big, loving family that meant the world to her.
Blessings to you all.
Kathy
Cindy Horn says
Sending love and prayers to all. God be with each of you during this time of sorrow.XO
Mary Marlow says
To Sandy and Sam and to Toni’s family – I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Toni a few times, and what I remember is Sandy and her sisters were full of laughter when I saw them together. So sad for you all and I know you will always miss her. Mary
Sally A. Young says
To Toni’s family – We are grieving for you and your family during this devastating time of loss of Toni & Cathy. Thank you Tammy for keeping us informed, and we are so sorry we missed the service to share some time with you. We had looked for info for the service under Thurman (the only name we knew), but after speaking with you, found it under Martin-Thurman. The memories we hold of “the good old days” will be a part of us always. After reading the obituary, we realized that Toni passed 5 years to the day, February 23rd, that we lost Bill/Dad. Now Dad is welcoming his “Best Renter in the Whole World” into his world & you can bet, they’re having a grand time! He’s probably flirting with her now! Tammy, Sandy & Sam, and the entire family…please know that we love you and our hearts wish you peace in your grief. Anita Moore & Sally Young & Families