Tonda Alethea Pauley

Tonda Alethea Pauley, age 73, of Evansville, Indiana, was born on May 9, 1952, in Durham, North Carolina, to the late John E. Mason and Winfred I. Fullen. She peacefully transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will be cherished by all who knew her. She will now join her late husband, Larry C. Pauley.

Tonda was a devoted leader, faithful servant, community advocate, and beloved mother and grandmother. Her life was defined by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

She proudly served as the State President of the Indiana Democrat African American Caucus (IDAAC) and was a member of the Indiana Democratic Central Committee. Over the years, she also held the roles of Vice President and Secretary of IDAAC. Her passion for civic engagement and community uplift was evident through her work as a founding member of the Vanderburgh County Democrat Women’s Club, Secretary of the Evansville Branch of the NAACP, Vice President of the League of Women Voters in Evansville, and as a Labor-Management Facilitator. Tonda also served as a member of the Indiana Federation of Women, a 5th Ward Leader, and a Precinct Committeewoman in Vanderburgh County.

A proud graduate of Leadership Evansville, Tonda exemplified the spirit of a true servant-leader. She served in numerous roles within city and county government and worked tirelessly to support the candidates and causes she believed in. Her passion for public service began early in her career while serving as a Staff Assistant to the late Congressman Frank McCloskey, whose leadership left a lasting impression on her life.

Tonda was a courageous and passionate activist who stood firmly in her beliefs. She was never afraid to stand alone in pursuit of what was right and just, even when others remained silent. Her kindness and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on her community, where she was deeply loved and respected.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. As a longtime and devoted member of Nazarene Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher, participated in the Circle of Faith, and was a cherished member of the Nazarene Choir. She gave her time and heart in every way she could until her health no longer permitted.

Above all, Tonda’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly survived by her sons, Craig Stewart and Boonk Allen; her daughters-in-law, Sarah Stewart and Alycia Allen; step-son, Colin Pauley; and her beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle Stewart, Gavin Stewart, Greyson Stewart, Marcelina Allen, Ava Allen, Jennifer Mason, Donavan Baker, Yalissa Pauley, and Alyssa Pauley.

Tonda cherished time spent with her family, especially during the holidays. She found great joy in bringing everyone together over her favorite meals of prime rib and crab legs at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She also enjoyed treating herself to PayDay and Hersey candy bars and munching on cashews and Culver's shrimp. An avid sports fan, she loved watching football and cheering on her children and grandchildren from the sidelines.

Tonda lived by the words she often shared: “Good leaders must first become good and humble servants.” This was more than a belief—it was the guiding principle of her life. Her legacy of faith, leadership, courage, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.