Taneka DeNyce Thomas

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Taneka DeNyce Thomas, who transitioned on March 30, 2026, at the age of 47 after a sudden heart attack.

Born on March 8, 1979, in Washington, D.C., Taneka was the beloved middle child of three sisters. Raised in a military family, she spent her youth traveling the world—including years in Germany, where she became fluent in the language and formed bonds that would last a lifetime. In 1995, the family settled in Newport News, Virginia, the place she truly called home for the rest of her life.

To know Taneka was to know a woman of boundless energy and a radiant presence. One dear friend described her perfectly as “the sun,” noting her unique ability to bring warmth and light into every room she entered. She was a bridge-builder who maintained a global circle of friends, a testament to her loyalty and the lasting impact she had on everyone she met.

Taneka lived a life soundtracked by an eclectic love for music. Whether she was vibing to 90s grunge, catching the rhythm of R&B and hip hop, or leading the way through a country line dance, her spirit was always in motion. Her passion extended to the sidelines of the football field; a dedicated fan of the Chicago Bears, she shared her love for the game by volunteering as a Little League football assistant in the Newport News community. A devoted mother and grandmother, Taneka loved her family with a fierce and unwavering protection.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph George-Thomas, who passed away last year and whom she carried in her heart always.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Tatiana York; two granddaughters, Penelope York and Harmony Marshall, who were the light of her life; her parents, LaVerne and Geoffrey Thomas; her sisters, Artesha Moore (William) and Tiffany Cannon (Marcus); her niece and nephews, whom she loved dearly; and a vast community of extended family and friends—from the D.C. area to Germany, and throughout her beloved home of Newport News—whose lives were made brighter by her laughter, her strength, and her support.

A memorial service to celebrate Taneka's life will be held at Noon on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Whiting's Funeral Home.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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