LaToya Antionette Young , affectionately known as Toya, was born on January 28, 1984, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. On February 26, 2025, she transitioned from this life to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and service.

Toya grew up in the Fredericksburg Public School System, where she was deeply involved in academics, sports, and leadership. At James Monroe High School, she was a tri-sport athlete, excelling in basketball, cheerleading, and softball. But it was on the basketball court where she truly dominated—she was a beast. Known for her unstoppable layup and fierce rebounding skills, Toya was a force to be reckoned with. She made varsity as a freshman, quickly becoming a starter and later serving as captain. Her signature left-hand swoop and relentless hustle made her unforgettable, and to this day, people still talk about the way she moved on the court.
Beyond sports, Toya was an honor student and an active member of Future Business Leaders of America, James Farmer Scholars, DECA, and the Partnership for Academic Excellence. She competed at state and national levels, always striving for excellence.  But her heart was always in service—giving back to her people. She co-founded James Monroe's first-ever Senior Citizens Prom, pulling together local businesses and raising funds to give elders in the community a night to remember—because for Toya, taking care of the village wasn't optional, it was a duty.

She hustled, too. While balancing school, sports, and leadership, Toya held down multiple jobs throughout her high-school journey.

After graduating in 2002, Toya pursued her ambition at Virginia Union University before transferring to Virginia State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2007. She built a career in property management, not just managing buildings but building up her community—securing quality affordable housing for families and ensuring the businesses she worked with invested back into the community.

Toya's greatest joy, her deepest love, was her daughter, Jasmine "Jazzy" Young. She was a devoted mother, always supporting Jasmine in every way. Toya poured into her, molding her with that same fire she carried. Toya was her daughter's first coach, biggest cheerleader, and made sure Jazzy knew her worth, her history, and the power she holds. Toya's strength, love, and wisdom shaped Jasmine's journey, ensuring her legacy of resilience and excellence continues.

Toya was the one you felt when she walked in the room—bold, unfiltered, and full of love. She kept it real, funny, and solid. Whether she was debating, cracking jokes, dancing with Jasmine and her nieces and nephews on TikTok, or just sharing space with her people, Toya left an lasting impression that cannot be forgotten.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jasmine Young of Ruther Glen, VA; her loving mother, Marjorie Cotton of Ruther Glen, VA; her father, Benny Young (Lydia) of Spotsylvania, VA; her sister, Seleena McClain (Carlos) of Ruther Glen, VA; her brothers, Michael Watson of Spotsylvania, VA, and Kalyn Young (Yuris ) of Caroline County, VA. She also leaves behind her aunts, Hattie Young and Annette Young of Kansas City, MO, and Lois Elmure of Dallas, TX; her uncle, Barley Watson of Fredericksburg, VA; her nieces and nephews, Tyquan, Kijuana, Asia, Karlos McClain, Michael Watson Jr., Akhilles Ramesse, and Ezra Young; a special friend, Melvin Bradford; and a village of extended family and friends who will forever carry her memory forward.

Toya moved with purpose, loved freely, and did it her way. Her name still rings out, her game still speaks for itself, and her spirit lives in all of us. May she rest in eternal power.

A memorial service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM.