Toni Debra Cicalla's Obituary
Toni Debra Cicalla, 70, went to be with Jesus, and her ancestors on April 25, 2023, after a brief, hard-fought illness. Toni was known by many names during her time on this earth: Toni, daughter, Debra, sister, aunt, Mimi, partner, teammate, friend. In each of these roles, she brought a quiet strength, boundless kindness and empathy, and an easygoing nature that instantly endeared her to all she met. She was easy to talk to, gave out advice but without expectations and without judgement. Whenever one was fortunate to spend time with her, she made them feel important and in on something really cool or interesting about to happen.
An energetic, natural leader, Toni was a tremendous role model to her nieces and nephews and opened her heart and life to her adopted son, Matthew. Toni was a proud member of the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for her fast-pitch softball heroics. She valued education, was always planning her next travel adventure, and enjoyed working with her hands, either in the yard, on the house, or on an art project. She was responsible, hard-working and flourished in life on her own. She lived her beliefs and convictions and thrived in any situation because of the wisdom and care she gave to every moment. In recent years, Toni was blessed to spend her life with her partner, Judy Luther. They met about 7 years ago at a Tiger basketball game, of course. After several game meetings, their first two outings together were to the Zoo and to Church. Before long the two found themselves sitting in the car at a park in Germantown bawling. They were talking about their respective ages, 64 and 60. Bawling because they met each other so late in life. They consoled themselves and one another with, “Well surely we have 10 and maybe 20 years.” God had a different plan. A greater plan for Toni. Toni loved her home, a 1925 bungalow she and Judy spent countless hours renovating to suit their bold style. Of course, it is located within walking distance of the University of Memphis. Toni was a woman who could build a house. Judy loved to buy power tools and watch with excitement as Toni put them to work.
Toni was a “baller” - she loved to watch sports. She “adopted” and served Judy’s father, “Daddy Jack” tirelessly, and acquired a love for golf. She was ready to play her first round of 18. Judy could not wait to go with her. Toni truly loved her scooter. She and Judy laughed when people hollered at them, “Yall are having too much fun…,” and sending a thumbs up or a horn honk. They knew it was the “old lady thing” that drew attention. Judy loved watching Toni learn to ride. Her childlike excitement was beautiful to watch. Taking her first and second cruise, Judy admired Toni’s excitement, such a grateful heart for life. Judy admired her 'guts' to venture out; jumping into waterfalls (she was not a “water person”), swimming with stingrays, and riding the rollercoaster on top of the cruise ship (she was not a “roller coaster person”). Judy learned a lot from Toni, not just about building or sports or adventure - About life. Judy and Toni trusted one another wholeheartedly. Because both had recent losses of close family, they talked so much about their love of life, and the end of life. More importantly, they talked about their intimate knowledge of an eternal life with God. They prayed together many times, along with the church, asking Jesus into their hearts, asking forgiveness for their sins, and making them new, in Jesus name. Toni told Judy, “I mean it from the bottom of my heart, every time I pray it.” Judy said, “Me too.” While they both knew it only took one time, they both knew it was real every time. Toni and Judy’s favorite verse was, “I have found the one my soul loves…” SOS 3:4 Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene M. and Frances Cicalla, a brother, Jerry Wayne, and her sister, Karen Cicalla Curtis.
She leaves a wide circle of family - both blood relatives and dear friends: Brother, Mike Cicalla; sister, Pam Cicalla (Chris) Hussey; brother-in-law, Bobby Curtis; nephew E.M. 'Chip' Cicalla; nieces Angela Cicalla, Candice and Cassie Curtis; great-nephew Oliver Gabriel, and her 'adopted son' Matthew Harpole. The family and Judy extend their thanks to all of Toni’s friends for well wishes and prayers. Several of Toni's long time friends were supportive and present when it mattered. Special thanks to Jonathan Campochairo, Judy Jackson, Jane Rye, Katy Smith, Judy Toler and Maggie Zuendel. Toni was known by many names, but no matter what she was called, she was loved. Mourners are encouraged to wear Memphis Tiger blue to the memorial service.
Flowers are welcomed; however, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Life Church Memphis.
Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 11:00am in the Riverside Chapel. The family will receive friends for visitation an hour prior to the service starting at 10:00am. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
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