05/05/2026
On Tuesday May 5, we will be closing at noon to celebrate the life of Tonya Phillips. In my 15 years of dentistry including the four years of dental school there have been a few events that have shaped my life and career. Some of the easy ones to name are being accepted to dental school, my graduation from dental school and finding a dental office in Paragould to call home. These three things led to what unexpectedly became one the most life changing decisions of all.
Six months into my ownership at Smile Designs I was fortunate enough to meet the great Dr. Honeycutt. Dr. Honeycutt was looking for a young dentist to look after the wonderful patients under his care. In the discussions leading up to this transition it became obvious that he also wanted to take care of his staff and that included his, and I still consider her “His”,hygienist. So there I met Tonya. I didn’t know it at the time but there was so much more to this woman than just a hygienist.
Tonya was the epitome of professionalism. Tonya was not one to do anything by a half measure and that style was evident in how she viewed patient care. She had more experience in dentistry than I had years on earth. I know she was probably the best dentist in my office. It was always her goal that patients got the absolute best dental care available. She was quick to point out work that needed to be redone whether it was something that had been done years ago or something I had just finished. I have always tried to do my best but I can promise that I tried even harder for her. But she wasn’t just one to look for others' mistakes, she wanted me to check her work equally as thoroughly.
Hygiene is where she told me she came to rest. When most folks get too “peopled” out from work she found comfort in treating others. Her other passions went far wider than the dental office though. I’ve always been known as a bit of a MacGyver but Tonya bested me in this area too. Tonya was known as a do it all, jack of all trades, a handy-man. I have been told many stories about the extent of her handiness. If you were to pass by her family home I believe most of the additions to the property were her own hard work. It was all I could do to keep her from cutting a window into her operatory over the years.
Tonya created an untold number of shirts and clothing items for my family, my mediocre athletic events and the rest of the office. If you needed something designed, printed, stitched, sewn or you name it Tonya could do it. I envied her gadget collection. Embroidery machines to 3D printers. If she found something she liked and thought it would benefit you too then you could bet she was getting you one as well. I am sure she made a small dent in Paragould’s economy by either giving away, donating or fund raising with all of her passions. She always found a way to use her talents to bless those around her.
Even with this digital format there is not enough room to list all the ways that she was all of the things to so many people. I am beyond blessed to have known and learned from such a wonderful example of Christ’s love for others. She raised me as a young dentist to be the best I can be for those people trusting in me. She loved her profession. She loved her patients. She loved her family. She loved me like one of her own. For now we will be heartbroken here without her but knowing full well that we will meet again.
Until we meet again, we love you.
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Lea Tonya Henderson Phillips passed away on April 30, 2026. Born on February 10, 1959, in Paragould, Arkansas, Tonya dedicated her life to caring for others and enriching the lives of those around her.
Tonya's career as a dental hygienist spanned over three decades. She devoted 28 years of service to Dr. Honeycutt’s practice before continuing her work with Dr. McGarity. Throughout her career, she was known not only for her professional expertise but also for the deep and meaningful relationships she cultivated with her patients. Her passion for her work was evident in the genuine care and attention she provided to each individual she treated.
Beyond her professional life, Tonya was remembered as an exceptionally giving person, always willing to volunteer her time and talents for the benefit of others. She had a special knack for sewing and often used her skills to create gifts for those around her. Her generosity and readiness to help were hallmarks of her character.
Tonya’s pride and joy was her family. She deeply loved her husband, children, and grandchildren. She supported their every endeavor whether she was cheering them on at a sporting event or simply offering words of encouragement.
Tonya enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests that reflected her vibrant spirit. She enjoyed crappie fishing in Sardis, Mississippi, and loved exploring the flea market in Canton, Texas. Vacationing with family at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri, brought her great joy. She attended Hillcrest Church of Christ.
Tonya is survived by her devoted husband, Darrell Phillips; her daughters, Audri Morton (Clint) and Betsi Harris (Brandon); her sister, Judy Wilkins (Terry); sister-in-law, Judy Henderson; and her beloved grandchildren, Landon Morton, Lynnlea Morton, Bradley Harris, and Beau Harris. Together, they carry forward her legacy of love, kindness, and compassion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Everett and Rachel Beatrice (Clester) Henderson; her brother, Bud Henderson; and her sister, Clara Jones.
A visitation to honor Tonya’s memory will be held on Tuesday, May 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. with Gary Cremeens officiating. Both services will take place at Phillips Funeral Home.
Lea Tonya Phillips’s life was one of care and commitment—to her family, her patients, and her community. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of warmth and generosity will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her life.
If one wishes to make a lasting memorial, Tonya would be honored with donations to Crowley’s Ridge Academy.
