Toni D Griffin-Nelson

Toni Drayona Griffin-Nelson (née Bembry) was born on November 15, 1951, in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida to the late Annie Mary Silas (known as Mary Parker) and Drayton Green Bembry. Toni was called to eternal rest on her mother Mary’s heavenly birthday, September 14, 2025. 

Toni considered Lake City her lifelong home. She was raised to have strong and steadfast faith in Christ by her mother Mary Parker and godmother Minnie Lee Rogers. She attended public school in Columbia County and was a high-achieving and heavily involved student at Richardson High School, where she was a majorette, crowned prom and homecoming queen, and graduated as a valedictorian of the class of 1969. After graduation, Toni worked as a nursing assistant, and eventually relocated to Newark, New Jersey, where she lived for thirty years. In Jersey, she raised two brilliant sons, the late Anthony Bembry and Drayton Denson; worked as a switchboard operator, and later founded and directed Toni’s Tiny Tots, her successful early childcare business. Toni was passionate about child welfare and ensuring every child is abundantly supported in their growth and educational pursuits. For many, Toni was a guiding force in their village and one of their earliest cheerleaders.

Toni’s presence is galvanizing; she inspired others to be creative, detail-oriented, articulate, passionate, resourceful, and empathetic. She had a great sense of humor, strong convictions, and deep faith in Christ the Redeemer; she was beautiful, fashionable, and highly intelligent. Beyond work, Toni loved to read, watch films, craft, study history and culture, dance, tend to her plants, laugh with her friends, and spend quiet nights with her husband and their beloved cat Harrison. She was a fabulous cook and an active member of her churches, Mt. Pisgah AME Church and New Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church. She began every morning by reading her Bible, praying, and silently meditating on God's teachings and miracles. 

Toni had no issue with starting over and saw new beginnings as opportunities for our greatest blessings: at the age of 47, her prayers for a daughter were answered and she devoted the rest of her life to raising her youngest child and namesake, Drayona Robin Denson. In her own words, Toni wanted to give her daughter the absolute best and support her through every milestone, trial, and achievement. She returned to Florida and was a regular presence at her daughter’s awards ceremonies, art competitions, and sat next to Dee nightly as she worked on homework and school projects. Those who knew Toni best know she loves her daughter with all her heart; it was clear how much love, sacrifice, prayer, and dedication she put toward her daughter, and how integral she is to her academic achievements as high school valedictorian and a doctoral candidate at Duke University. At 62, faith led her to her loving and devoted husband, Robert, who she met while taking her daughter to school. She enjoyed 11 wonderful years of marriage to her best friend, champion, and forever love. 394 Wilson Street was and remains a home of love, laughter, community, and comfort.

Toni is preceded in death by her parents, Mary Parker and Drayton Bembry; her godmother Minnie Lee Rogers; her sister, Patsy Kathielia Lewis Reid; and her son, Anthony Marion Bembry. Her memory lives on in her surviving loved ones: her devoted husband Robert Nelson; daughter Drayona Denson, Durham, NC; adopted daughter Arpita Joyce, Worcester, MA; sons Rev. Al Nelson (Trisheka), Lake City, FL, and Drayton Denson; her cherished sister Janice Elliott, niece Marquita Givens, and nephew Melvin King, Lake City, FL; nephew Patrick Smith, Lakeland, FL; four grandchildren, Tyler, Markel, Malachi, and Ethan; beloved cat “grandchildren” Harrison and Odie; a great-granddaughter, and a host of dear friends and loved ones.

Toni’s memory is a blessing that encourages us to walk in Christ, embrace new beginnings, be part of each other’s villages, and invest in the lives and futures of young people and future generations.

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