Tanya Darr Offord, affectionately known as “Tam,” was born on Sept. 8, 1961, to Alfreda Small Smith and Warren Lathan Sr. Raised by grandparents Edward Small Sr. and Thelma Small, she accepted Christ at the early age of 13 and was baptized at St. Paul AME Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

She graduated high school in Naples, Italy. She attended Delgado School of Mortuary in New Orleans and University of Virginia. She worked as a consultant for the state of Virginia for many years. Tanya and Thurman J. Offord Sr. married in 2008. She was a faithful member of Mount Carnel Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Tanya possessed a great love for her family and was known for having a heart of gold.

She always was concerned with the needs of her family and friends. She traveled with her mother around the world,and later began that same practice with her own children.