Obituary

Shonda Renee Pence, 52, of Dunbar, passed away surrounded by family on April 15, 2026, after a long illness. Born on June 26, 1973, in Beckley, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Rhonda and the late Jack Toler.

At the heart of Shonda’s life was her love for her family and those closest to her. One of the greatest joys of her life was being a grandmother. After graduating from Van High School in 1991, she built a life centered on faith, compassion, and helping others. She spent time as an adult educator, advocated for those affected by domestic violence, owned and operated Mending Fences substance abuse treatment homes, and spent many years serving others through social work. Shonda was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charleston.

One thing is certain: Shonda was fierce, sassy, and full of heart. She loved deeply, gave freely of herself, and never hesitated to stand up for the people she cared about. She had a strong spirit and left an impression wherever she went. Concerts, the beach, Cincinnati Bengals football, and all things pink were some of her favorite things. While always ready for wherever the road might lead, she believed some of life’s best moments were simple and spent with the people she loved.

In addition to her father, Shonda was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jodie and Myrtle Green; paternal grandparents, Lovell and Doris Toler; aunt, Gladie Massey; and uncle, Paul S. Toler.

Left to cherish Shonda’s memory are her husband, Gary; her mother, Rhonda Toler of Wharton; her daughter, Eden (Clinton) Strouth of South Charleston; her son, Jackson (Sean) Newsome of Chicago, Illinois; her grandsons, Patrick Runion and Bentley Strouth; her lifelong best friend, Sheryl Hunter; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She also leaves behind her three cats, Oscar, Emmy, and Gus, who brought her so much comfort and joy, especially during her last days at home.

The family would like to thank all those who visited Shonda during her illness, as well as the staff at CAMC Memorial for the support, kindness, and care they provided.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street, East, Charleston, with cremation to follow.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1105 Quarrier Street, Charleston, with the Rev. Eric L. Miller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Shonda’s memory be made to the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence or the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.