Kerry Whitson

Kerry "Tonya Sue" Whitson, was born November 20th, 1964 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, In. She passed away peacefully in her bed, the morning of July 25th 2024, at the age of 59. As a rebellious teenager in the late 70's/early 80's, she was the lead singer of the garage band, "Mad Alice and the Guillotine!" This would begin her lifelong love of music and the arts. She had a voice that could move thousands, and loved a good karaoke jam. Her creativity knew no bounds. She was known for crafting everything from denim jean purses and mini sand-dollar paintings, to beautiful hand drawn portraits. As a single mother of two children she would often employ her craft to make ends meet.

     As a young woman in the early 90's, she contracted HIV; at the time, she was only given six months to live. Life would not get any easier for her. The newest medication to treat her condition would quickly lose its efficacy, leaving her wondering if something else may come along that might prolong her life. Between misinformation, and the intolerance of her time, she faced great adversity on a near daily basis. As modern medicine improved, so did her life expectancy. She would go on to be the soul survivor of her original HIV support group. She dedicated her life to dispelling the myths surrounding HIV/AIDS. She educated and enlightened many.

     No-one was a stranger to her, and any friend who happened to be over, was not allowed to leave with an empty stomach. She often  said she had about 20 - 30 kids, because everyone in the neighborhood knew her as mom. Everybody was welcome, but you might get caught up helping with some chores. She was covered in scars, mostly unseen; that is until you got a couple pints of Canadian Mist in her. She fought her demons for years, and in the end, she overcame them. The best way to describe her was perfectly imperfect. From her family, to animals or the planet, a soul more compassionate and caring I dare say exists.

     "The star that burns twice as bright, burns half as long; and you have burned so very, very brightly!" She is survived by her Children Derrick (Chelsi) Whitson and Audrianna (Benji) Whitson, Grand children Willow Ferrell, Toby Sheffer, Michael Whitson, Melody Moeller, Jaxon Whitson and Luna Keller, her Mother Teresa Miller, Siblings Angela Smith-Yates, Dawn (Dennis) Thorne, Bill and Cecil Smith, and every school aged 90's kid from 4th and Wells.  She is preceeded in death by her adopted parents Norm and Shirley (Annie) Hufford, her aunt Fran Kincaid, and countless friends who have come and gone. A celebration of life will be held on 07/29/2024 at 12202 Jacobas Pl. Fort Wayne, IN, at 11:00 a.m.

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