With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Tanya LaShai Willems, who left this world too soon on July 15, 2026, at the young age of 53.
Tanya was born on October 12, 1972, in Lake Forest, Illinois, to the late Duel Ray Strawbridge and Robbie Faye Culver Strawbridge. As the youngest of four sisters, and the baby, she brought joy, laughter, and music into the lives of everyone around her from an early age.
Even as a little girl, Tanya loved to perform in Zion, Ill where she grew up and was a former Jubilee Day Queen in Zion. She proudly twirled as a majorette; many times, those who knew her would find her practicing in her parent’s restaurant parking lot at Robbie’s Country Hit Cooking. She also possessed a beautiful voice that could captivate anyone who heard it. She loved singing alongside her mother and sisters, and that passion grew into a successful career as a country music performer. Her remarkable talent led her to perform throughout the Chicago area before taking her to stages in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, and Nashville, Tennessee, where she shared her gift with countless audiences.
In the early 1990s, Tanya moved to Amory, Mississippi, to be closer to her parents. In 1999, she welcomed her greatest blessing, her daughter, Kalei Fayth-Ann Powell. Being a mother was the role she cherished above all else, and she poured her heart into raising her daughter with unconditional love.
Tanya also dedicated her life to serving her community through an extraordinary 31-year career in law enforcement communications. She faithfully served as a dispatcher with the Amory Police Department, Monroe County 911, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, where she was later promoted to Public Relations, Itawamba County, and eventually returned to Monroe County 911, where she served as Dispatch Supervisor. Her professionalism, compassion, calm under pressure, and unwavering commitment earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across the region. To Tanya, her law enforcement family was just that—family—and the friendships she built over three decades were among the greatest blessings of her life.
In 2012, Tanya reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Christopher David Willems, the love of her life. They were married in August of that year, beginning a beautiful chapter filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. Her passing was heartbreaking, and sadly, it brought their cherished love story to an end much too soon.
Tanya’s heart grew even fuller when she became “Nana,” a title she treasured above all others. She welcomed Zane Willems in 2014, Maisyn Jones in 2018, and Culver James “CJ” Powell in 2024. Her happiest moments were those spent surrounded by Christopher, her children, and especially her precious grandchildren. They were the light of her life and the center of her world.
Tanya will be remembered for her beautiful voice, infectious smile, generous heart, quick wit, fierce loyalty, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She had a gift for making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether on stage, behind a dispatch console, or gathered around family, Tanya lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and joy. Tanya was as stubborn as they came and a trait her sisters and family teased her about, but that determination made her fiercely loyal, and it was one of her greatest strengths.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Christopher David Willems; her daughters, Hannah (Jake) Jones and Kalei Fayth-Ann Powell; her beloved grandchildren, Zane Willems, Maisyn Jones, and Culver James “CJ” Powell; her sisters, Deborah Lewis and Kimberly Sweeney; her nieces and nephews, Brittani (Sean) McCafferty, Matthew Kuykendall, Brandi Hargrove, April (Ray) Knourek, Brent (Jennifer) Lewis, Samantha (Matthew) General, and Michael (Taylor) Sweeney Jr; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and her law enforcement family, all of whom she loved deeply.
In addition to her parents, Tanya was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Sharon “Sherry” Strawbridge, and her brothers-in-law, Larry Lewis and Michael Sweeney who she shared an extraordinary bond and love of music with.
Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Tanya’s beautiful voice has been restored, she is no longer suffering and that she is once again reunited with those who welcomed her home. Her love, laughter, strength, and unwavering devotion to family will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her and especially those who were loved by her.
A life so beautifully lived leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Funeral services for Tanya will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Cleveland Moffett Funeral Home in Amory. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM.
Tanya requested that donations be given to the Monroe County Sheriff Department or to Amory Police Department.
