Tonja Richardson Underwood

On May 14th,1966, Tonja Antoinette Richardson was born in San Antonio, Texas to Stine Armstrong and Charles Richardson. Tonja was the second of three children and was a fierce friend, mother, daughter, and sister. She grew up in Tacoma, Washington where she attended Wilson High School. Upon Graduation from Wilson High School, she attended Washington State University where she graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Art in Social Work.

After graduating from college, she got married and moved to Southern California. In 1997 she had two children, twins Jordan “Bug” Underwood and Destinee “Sissy” Underwood. She was a devoted mother to her twins. She encouraged them to accomplish their goals and was always present to celebrate each one of their successes.

Tonja was proud to have served with American Airlines for 20 years. She spent most of her time with American Airlines as a flight attendant. This started her love of travel that she shared with her friends and family. After retiring from American Airlines, she earned her teaching credential and became a special education teacher with Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). Throughout her 14 years working for the school district, she held positions both inside and outside the classroom, most recently as an Inclusive Education Specialist. She was also a State Council Representative for the Riverside City Teachers Association. Tonja often said that working with students and being an advocate for inclusion and diversity within the classroom was her calling. She gave her all in every role she held and encouraged everyone around her to meet their full potential.

In her free time, she enjoyed watching movies, painting, reading, clothes shopping, spending time with her children, and catching up with friends. She was fond of collecting teapots, Precious Moment figurines, and watching the Seattle Seahawks with her son. She would often be seen with colorful glasses to match every outfit, with many more coming in the mail. She was a lifelong learner and continued her education by earning a Master of Arts in Special Education and a Master of Science in Education Administration, both from National University.

Tonja was a mother member of Jack and Jill of America Inc. Inland Empire Chapter until her children graduated out of the organization at which point, she became an associate member. She was also a member of The Links, Incorporated San Bernardino Valley Chapter since 2018. Throughout her time with both organizations, she dutifully served on several committees and leadership roles.

Tonja is survived by her children Bug and Sissy, sister Tina Williams, brother Tony Richardson, mother Stine Armstrong, father Charles Richardson, two nephews Isaiah Richardson and Troy Williams, niece Anita Henry, and great-niece Skylar Minor. She also leaves many relatives near and far, many lifelong friends, colleagues, Jack and Jill mothers, and Link sisters. She will be missed by so many.