Tonya Metrelle Ghant-Byrd of Indianapolis, Indiana, 43, left this earth on December 12, 2016 at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital after a courageous battle with several chronic health concerns. Tonya, born on August 30, 1973, grew up in Richmond, Indiana. She was the wife of Darrick Byrd, the mother of Arianna Marquis Ghant, and the daughter of Marcia (Owens) Ghant of Riverview, FL who survives and Montaque Ghant (deceased). She is also survived by her sister, Lisa (Terrell) Bellamy and nephews Tyler and Treylen Bellamy, her bone marrow donor, Steve, her dog Roc, and aunts, Gwendolyn (Ray) Carothers, Janice Ghant Grimes, Nancy (Reginald) Gipson, and Audrey Owens and uncles Dwayne (Monica) Ghant, Pat Owens, Bobby Owens, Chris Owens, and many great aunts and uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, an aunt, Teresa (Fred) Stone, and maternal and paternal grandparents. Graduating from Richmond High School in 1992, Tonya attended cosmetology school and pre nurse's training at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. She enjoyed employment on a children's Christmas train crew, as a nurse aid, and as staff at St. Elizabeth/Colemen Pregnancy and Adoptions Services. Tonya was also a foster parent. Most recently, Tonya was self-employed as a photographer and took pleasure in taking pictures of families and friends. Tonya grew up spending summers with her cousins in Centerville, TN. She often reflected on her memories of those days. As an adult, she lived in several communities including Indianapolis, Richmond, and Marion in Indiana, and Bradenton and Riverview in Florida. In Tonya's explorations, she usually found the best places to shop in each community plus she loved to cook and could be counted on to prepare a big meal, usually with her father's help, during holidays. She is remembered as someone who knew how to have a good time and could work very hard during events when it really mattered. She hustled to make things come together and saw no challenges she could not conquer. Tonya's Homegoing services will be held at 1:00 PM on December 17, 2016 at Serenity Funeral and Cremation Services 6202 Michigan Road Indpls, IN 46268. The family will be available for visitation from 11:00 AM until time of service. Arrangements respectfully provided by Serenity Funeral and Cremation Services. The family wishes to thank all of you who cared for her many health needs, especially during the last few months. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to American Diabetes Association and please consider joining Be the Match Registry. Gathering of Family and Friends DEC 17. 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM Serenity Funeral and Cremation Services 6202 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN, US, 46268 info@serenityfuneralservices.net http://www.serenityfuneralservices.net Celebration of Life DEC 17. 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Serenity Funeral and Cremation Services 6202 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN, US, 46268 info@serenityfuneralservices.net http://www.serenityfuneralservices.net