LaToya Melissa Chalk

My beloved sister, LaToya was called to heaven by our Lord on Friday, March 22, 2024 in the comforts of her home in Columbia, Maryland, at the age of 39. To our family and all that affectionately knew her, we called her “Toya”.

LaToya Melissa Chalk was born on November 1, 1984 to Clifford Lee Chalk and Rebecca (Davis) Chalk in Hartford, Connecticut who both preceded in her in death. She was such a blessing to them both along with her older sister, Teshia R.(Williams) Davis who had made multiple requests for a younger sister. She was a wish come true for them all. From the moment she was born she graced them with her angelic cries to ensure they felt her light.

LaToya touched so many hearts from the moment she was born; yet, more so, when she lost her father at the age of 2 ½. The outpouring of love, care, and support she received, truly shaped her life as she was often treated like a delicate flower. This was the beginning of her infectious smile that she greeted her family, friends and all who encountered her, never wanting anyone to worry about her – developing her selfless spirit.

LaToya spent her early adolescent years attending school in Tolland, Connecticut before relocating to Maryland with her mom in 1995. She graduated from Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland in 2002 and then furthered her education with time spent at Morgan State University, Howard Community College and The University of Phoenix, expanding her knowledge of business administration.

LaToya explored various extra-curriculars along the way inclusive of dance, playing the piano, learning to play golf, and soccer, as her mom always wanted to keep her engaged and active. She enjoyed watching a variety of television genres as it would surprise anyone the span of her interests. She was a fast bike rider and loved walking the trails with her mom, sister and friends. With her stamina she was in no rush to get her driver’s license and took no issue taking Howard County Transit to get to work, or wherever she wanted to go, as far as Baltimore – where she wanted to feel that Baltimore spirt. She enjoyed watching church service in the comforts of her home. She loved music and asking Alexa to play her favorite playlist so she could sing along; she enjoyed a good party, attending concerts, visiting new restaurants to savor some good food and of course a cocktail. She was always down to take a ride and welcomed anyone to come visit her with the hopes it didn’t interfere with her nap time.

LaToya had an impeccable work ethic which she acquired from her parents. She obtained her foundation of delivering exemplary customer service at Sears as a Sales Associate and later took her skills to Hecht’s. She was fortunate in securing an internship at Sojourner Douglas College after graduation which laid her administrative foundation. From there she began her professional career at Booz I Allen I Hamilton where she obtained a full scope security clearance. This propelled her career forward by working for a few government contractors which led her to spending the past ten years at Telligen working as a Contract Reviewer supporting large Medicaid contracts. LaToya was affectionally called “Chalk” like her parents as she could always be counted on to be there, giving 110% and supporting her team in whatever was needed.

LaToya had an affinity for traveling which her mom introduced her to at a young age. From traveling to South Carolina, Florida, Ocean City, Puerto Rico, cruising the Caribbean Seas, or a host of family reunions from the east coast to the west coast, she loved spending time with her family, friends and meeting new friends along the way. She was always game for a road trip and welcomed someone taking shotgun to join in on a sing-along with her favorite tunes. Most recently, she was looking forward to her 40th birthday in Puerto Rico as this was one of her favorite places.

LaToya was a cherished sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. She was a special light, a ray of sunshine, a voice of encouragement, a needed smile, a trusted ear, a playful sprit, a kid at heart, life of the party, joyrider, all-around good person that came with no judgement, all about living life to the fullest. She was always greeting you with a “hey _____” with her infectious smile. She loved being a sister to Teshia and aunt to Taison – as these were some of her greatest joys in life.

LaToya leaves to cherish her memory: one sister: Teshia R. (Terrell) Davis ; a nephew Taison Nasir Davis, all residing in Maryland. Godmother and Aunt: Linda “Yvonne” Chalk-Watts of Maryland. Aunts: Janese (Warren) Bolden, Mattie Ruth Davis, Bernice (John) Lucas, Rosalie Thorpe, Catherine (Leroy) Williams all from Connecticut. Uncles: Edmund (Linda) Chalk of Connecticut, Harmon (Hazel) Davis, Ulysses “Mickey” (Gayle) Davis both from South Carolina. 39 first cousins; special friends and a host of other relatives and friends from across the county.

Besides her parents, LaToya is preceded in death by her grandparents: Willie C. Chalk, Bertha (Wells) Chalk, Jimmy Lee Davis and Earline (Timmons) Davis; aunts: Dorothy Davis, Linda Sue Hunter, Hattie Mae Johnson, and Emma Tyson; uncles: Stanley Chalk Sr., Cleveland “Slay” Davis, Jimmy Lee Davis Jr, and Lewis “LC” Davis; two cousins: Sammy Davis and Mario Johnson.

Immediate family will receive family and friends on Saturday, April 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A celebration of her life will immediately follow beginning at 11:30 a.m. Both will commence at Witzke Funeral Homes, Inc, located at 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045. The burial will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, 2150 Mt. View Road, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104 at 1:00 p.m.