A Tribute To An Extraordinary Woman
In loving memory of Toni Jean Beatty, the woman whose cakes could make you believe in miracles and whose life was a masterpiece of love, laughter, and layers upon layers of kindness.
Toni was more than just the master of the flour and oven; she was a force of nature, a beacon of light in a world that often needed a little extra sweetness.
Toni Jean Spencer-Beatty, 72 of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on November 9th, 2023 from liver failure. She leaves behind an indelible legacy of love, inspiration, delicious foods and achievements that will forever be etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Toni's journey began with the kind of determination that you could practically taste in her cakes. Born the middle child to powerhouses Edward and Leona Spencer on September 16, 1951 in Grand Rapids, MI- Toni's life was centered on her family and the church. After the closure of South High School, Toni was one of 13 black students to integrate both the Auburn Hills neighborhood, and Creston High School. Integrating a neighborhood and high school while carrying the torch of excellence wasn't just a challenge for her; it was a chance to show the world what resilience and grace looked like. Despite an acrimonious welcome, Toni (who always took great care to make her parents and siblings proud of her) excelled. After amassing the credits needed for graduation in only her junior year of high school, she forwent her senior year and started college at Grand Valley State University. This early start at her remarkable journey demonstrated her unparalleled dedication and passion fueled by social justice, activism, and family.
After a year at GVSU, she furthered her education at Western Michigan University, earning a B.S. in Political Science. She continued her education at Wayne State University Law School, where she majored in "poverty law" -- knowing that it was not going to be the clientele that would make her wealthy -- but knowing that's where her skills were most needed. Toni worked her way through law school by teaching in the Detroit Public Schools.
She later taught law at WSU and various community colleges, was a staff attorney for the Misdemeanor Defenders Office for Indigents, a staff attorney for UAW-GM Legal Services, and executive director of The Contact Center, a nonresidential outreach center for jail and prison-bound offenders.
Her professional accomplishments were numerous and diverse, reflecting the depth of her talents and the breadth of her interests. She was the first African-American woman from Kent County to become a lawyer. Toni served her community in roles as an advocate for foster children with Bethany Christian Services, establishing contacts with minority community organizations to advocate for their involvement in adopting and fostering minority children. She was seen and heard on radio and television, and hosted events attended by minority leaders in the community supporting this cause.
Finally, Toni took on the challenge of being a management analyst for the State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court.
They quickly recognized where her interests lay. Toni quickly took the lead in creating the Non-Custodial Parent Work First Program. This program provided opportunities for judges to refer non-custodial parents (who were behind in child support) to community agencies that provide training and job opportunities and help non-custodial parent avoid jail time. Toni was also the management lead on the "Access to Justice" limited English Proficiency program which developed and provided policies and procedures to courts to assure compliance with federal law. She also provided leadership while working with the Lansing foster care review board.
Beyond her many professional achievements, she was also known for her philanthropic endeavors, dedicating her time and resources to causes close to her heart. As a single mother who wanted the best public education for her children, she decided to run for the Grand Rapids Public School Board. Toni served 3 terms (9 years) as an elected member, where her commitment to poor and disadvantaged students became her reputation. Toni also volunteered her time and talents with local agencies, held county-wide and statewide positions, and worked tirelessly for friends and family to help the smallest voices be heard.
Toni was blessed to have received accolades for her commitment to her community, having been recognized for her service to both the School Board & the Kent Intermediate Association of School Boards, ultimately earning the coveted Floyd Skinner Justice Giants Award in 1995. These timeless accomplishments serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and have become beacons of inspiration for future generations.
Yet, amidst her remarkable achievements, anyone who knows Toni, knows that her most important accomplishment was her two daughters, Leona Whitney and Logan Ovellah. Her love for them was boundless, a nurturing force that knew no limits. That love extended to her 3 grandchildren, whom she spoiled endlessly. Her move to retire in Las Vegas was a testament to her unwavering dedication to family, a chapter where she painted the canvas of her retirement with warmth, love, and probably a touch of luck at those keno machines. But let's be honest, while her legal prowess and advocacy were remarkable, it's the aroma of her baking that will linger in our memories. Those cakes!
They could make even the most stoic soul break into a smile. People from all walks of life, from nieces to neighbors, knew that within those layers of sponge and icing lay a dollop of Toni's heart. Toni showed her love through food, and blessed be the waistlines of those who were loved by her. Her warmth, kindness, dry wit and wisdom enriched the lives of those around her, like her buttered rolls, and created a nurturing environment where her family thrived.
Whether in the realms of academia, business, or charity Toni left an indelible mark that will resonate in her community for years to come. Her pioneering spirit and innovative thinking paved the way for others to follow.
Toni never showed hesitancy in the face of death, rather, as a devout Christian and dedicated member of First Community A.M.E. She knew with certainty that her heavenly Father was waiting to welcome her home, and she delighted in the opportunity to see her mother, father, and beloved Aunt Ovellah again in heaven. While we mourn her passing, let's also celebrate her life, which was as rich and fulfilling as her famous cheesecake.
Toni's legacy isn't just the awards and positions she held; it's the kindness and care she baked into every interaction, the laughter she stirred into conversations, the minds she inspired, and the love she shared through hot homemade meals and warm hugs.
Toni is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Edward and Leona Spencer. Toni is survived, and will be eternally missed by; her daughters Leona Whitney and Logan Ovellah, her grandchildren; Riley, Langston and Lucky, her brother Stanlee Spencer (Ermelinda), baby sister Diana Lampton (Eddie), her Godchildren, Troy McIntosh (Wendy) and LaKiya Jenkins (Marcus Jr.), and close friends Rita McIntosh (Leroy) and Julia Benton Trice (Elder Larry) and a host of friends, family, associates.
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