of Little Rock, AR
February 5, 1948 - October 31, 2025
Tonya Wilhelmina Webb McNair, 77, of Little Rock passed peacefully in her sleep on October 31, 2025 after courageously battling lung cancer for the past year. Her passing came during All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, a sacred time in the Catholic Church that honors eternal life and remembrance, fitting for a woman whose spirit and creativity will long outlive her years on earth.
Born February 5, 1948 to Alton William Webb and Virginia Hurley Webb, Tonya was a brilliant and determined woman from the start. She graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor's degree in business administration and went on to break barriers in the finance world. Tonya completed training in New York to become an Account Executive with Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith, Inc., becoming the first woman in Arkansas to join what had previously been an all-male profession. Early in her career, she also served as a Financial and Economic Advisor for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, where her intelligence and drive quickly made her stand out.
In the early 1980s, Tonya chose to leave the corporate world to devote herself to raising her two sons. During that season of life, she explored many interests but ultimately discovered her true calling in art. As an abstract artist, Tonya poured her heart and spirit into her work. Her art hangs in homes throughout Arkansas and beyond and has been exhibited in galleries from Little Rock to Chicago. She was a longtime supporter of the Pulaski Heights Elementary School's Annual Picasso Fundraiser, where her creative passion and generous heart inspired others.
Tonya's zest for life was boundless. She traveled to France multiple times to study art and spoke fluent French. In her early forties, she ran in the Pike's Peak Marathon, just one of many examples of her determination and adventurous spirit. Later in life, she delighted in serving as a patient actor for nursing students at UALR, finding joy in helping others learn and grow.
Those who knew Tonya will remember her as a true Renaissance woman: energetic, brilliant, thoughtful, eccentric, spiritual and endlessly creative. She was known for her quick wit, her love of deep conversation and her passionate debates, few ever won an argument with her. She found beauty in simple pleasures: a good book, a walk in Allsopp Park, a roaring fire, a piece of dark chocolate, a martini with a whiff of vermouth, a good glass of red wine or the sound of classical music filling her home. Her Christmas toffee was legendary, her cooking was soulful and her humor was contagious.
Tonya was preceded in death by her parents, Alton William Webb and Virginia Hurley Webb and her sisters, Patricia Joan Kirby and Vernue Jerrine Boroughs. She is survived by her sons, Jason Neal Thomann and Jeremy Thomann (wife, Ginger) and her cherished granddaughter, Katelyn Elizabeth Thomann.
Family and friends are invited to a drop-in Celebration of Life, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 10:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church Parish Hall located at 1003 North Tyler Street, Little Rock, AR 72205.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to It's the Van, Union Rescue Mission Little Rock or Thea's Art Closet.
Tonya lived as she painted, with intensity, color and purpose. Her legacy will live on in her art, her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
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20 Condolence(s)
Mary Noble
Friday, November 21, 2025
My favorite feisty Lab Patient… she was such a joy to have and be around.. for the short time I have known her we prayed together, cried together, and laughed together.. she will be truly missed..
Mary Jo and Steve Lucchi
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
If there was any way to describe Tonya, this comes as close to perfect as you could get. All I can add is that she was a dear friend for over 35 years and in that time we had a lot of deep conversations and many, many belly laughs!
Ron Tribell
Friday, November 7, 2025
So sorry to hearing of Tonya’s passing. She was a greatly talented and highly intelligent beautiful lady! Thinking and praying for Jeremy, Jason and grandchildren
Joan Palmer
Friday, November 7, 2025
Tonya was kind and generous. She had a tough life but delighted in her family and friends.
Bart McKnight
Friday, November 7, 2025
Tonya was always a fun treat to converse with. Always positive!
We used to have fun sneaking up on each other in the Kroger Beechwood parking lot ir store, and then talk for 20 minutes. Once she recognized me in the parking lot and intentionally cut me off and took my parking spot! I scuttled around to rubber neck the fool and to my surprise, it was her laughing. Good times!!
I will miss that!
Carla Koen
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
I was privileged to get to know Tonya through her art. She was always trying to find new ways to approach her work, and it showed. Her paintings were client favorites. And she was fun to work with. Such a spitfire. I have many memories of her that I will hold close. Peace and love to all who crossed her path.
Terri White
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
I met Ms. Tonya 3 years ago working at Krogers in Hillcrest, she was a vibrant and sweet lady, when I saw her she was always was full of joy, no matter what she was going through, I would give her a big hug when I see her, she would come get her lottery tickets and we would discuss dogs and I even tried to get her one. She was a sweet angel 😇 to me. She would call me her bonus daughter. I will miss her spirit & smile, but I know she is no longer in pain. Keeping her family in my prayers.
Hope Hawkins
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
If ever there was a person with a strong spirit and deep-seated faith, it's Tonya. Amidst her horrific cough, she would ask how I was doing and add a pearl of humor along the way. I have known Tonya both in sickness and in health. Her love of life and her unwavering conmection will prevail. As Tonya often said, "God is my roommate."
Amy Smith
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Tonya was talented in her art but as a person- she was talented at giving light & hope to others. Love ya Tonya ❤️🩹
Katie Thomann
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The Earth lost its grace this Halloween. Words cannot even begin to fathom the way my heart has broken now that you’re gone Nana. You loved everyone and made sure they knew it. Not a single missed birthday card, Christmas card or phone call in 24 years. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get there in time. Rest in utter peace.
Mary Jo and Steve Lucchi
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
If there was any way to describe Tonya, this comes as close to perfect as you could get. All I can add is that she was a dear friend for over 35 years and in that time we had a lot of deep conversations and many, many belly laughs!
Laura Powell
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
I will surely miss my friend. Always available to lend an ear, a sympathetic shoulder when needed, and ALWAYS with a smile and some humor. Her talent was inspirational and advice always sound. She was quite a woman.
Tammy Rowland
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. May her bright light continue to shine in your lives.
Katie Thomann
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
The Earth lost its grace this Halloween. Words cannot even begin to fathom the way my heart has broken now that you’re gone Nana. You loved everyone and made sure they knew it. Not a single missed birthday card, Christmas card or phone call in 24 years. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get there in time. Rest in utter peace.
Mary Richards
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
So sorry to hear of Tonya’s passing; She was a sweet soul and had a zest for living.
Prayers for Tonya’s family.
Erschelle C. Newsome
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
It was always a joy working with Tanya at the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region where she served in the Volunteer Department. She always had such a warm, welcoming and friendly spirit which drew others to love and respect her.
My sincere condolences to the family. I pray you find comfort in the many beautiful memories you made with Tanya through the years.
Erschelle C. Newsome
Sandra King
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
I work with Tonya at American Red Cross. She was a beautiful lady who was truly a blessing to be around. She will be missed. May God guide you through this difficult journey.
Katie Thomann
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
The Earth lost its grace this Halloween. Words cannot even begin to fathom the way my heart has broken now that you’re gone Nana. You loved everyone and made sure they knew it. Not a single missed birthday card, Christmas card or phone call in 24 years. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get there in time. Rest in utter peace.
Mary Jo and Steve Lucchi
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
If there was any way to describe Tonya, this comes as close to perfect as you could get. All I can add is that she was a dear friend for over 35 years and in that time we had a lot of deep conversations and many, many belly laughs!
Jason Thomann
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
I love you Mom with all of my heart and soul. I'll miss you.