Tanya Michelle Debnam O'Neal Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Tanya Michelle Debnam O'Neal (June 26, 1966 – April 28, 2020) A Celebration of Life ! Tanya Michelle Debnam O'Neal was the daughter of the late John Birdsong, Sr., Cynthia Debnam Bussey, and Stepfather Richard Bussey. She was born in Raleigh, NC and graduated from a Wake County high school in 1985. After graduation she studied briefly at Shaw University. She was a member of Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. She most recently attended Mission For Life Community Church in Kennesaw, GA. Tanya has always been known as the “songbird” in the family. Everyone realized early on that she had a beautiful voice. Grandmother, Lovie Debnam loved to hear Tanya sing her favorite song, He Touched Me. Tanya sung unashamedly in church, in front of family members, and even in public talent showcases. We were so proud of her when, at just 19 years old, she won 1st place in Raleigh's Pieces of Gold talent competition. Years later she met and married Howard O'Neal of Wendell, NC. During their marriage they parented four children: Latia, Leona, Brandon, and Toreus. With Tanya, home is where the heart is... she believed in keeping the house clean. Her love for cooking was apparent in every dish she made. She enjoyed and never backed down from friendly competition in the kitchen. Her favorite thing to cook was soul food and she could whip together a meal out of anything. Throughout Tanya's life her family has shown her constant love and support. Tanya enjoyed a special relationship with all her aunts and uncles but she had a special place in her heart for Uncle Chester. He was her “go to” man and he was always there for her. In 2015 Tanya moved to Acworth, Georgia to live with her mother. She worked at various places of employment and she took pride in her work. Her favorite workplace was Shoney's because she enjoyed cooking/prepping the food. Tanya's pride and joy is her family and friends! She will be greatly missed by her siblings: Jason Bussey, John Birdsong Jr., Cleveland Birdsong, Taneka Birdsong-Yon, and Yolita Birdsong, her seven grandchildren: Maison, McKaelyn, Othanial, Toriana, Kaedin, Tierra, and Sofia, and a hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Tanya Michelle Debnam O'Neal

June 26, 1966 - April 28, 2020