tonya lee carrie - Biography

On April 11, 2022, Tonya’s world was shaken when her 39-year-old son, Jason Sevelle Howard—her “Sunny”—unexpectedly transitioned to glory. In her grief, she wrestled with the question, “Did I love my son more than God?” Two years later, she traveled to Tuscany, Italy, for a seven-day writers’ retreat, where she gained the encouragement and foundational tools to write and publish her inspiring memoir. I Am My Sunny’s Momma…Overcoming the Loss of a Child is a transparent, courageous, and transformative book that launched her “Love Speaks Louder Than Loss” tour, created in memory of her beloved son.

Tonya Lee Carrie is a multi-talented inspirational speaker, author, illustrator, mistress of ceremonies, and enlightened entertainer known for her character, Ms. SuGah.

Two of her popular books are I Am My Father’s Daughter…Reconciliation Heals, published two months after her son’s passing, and Courage to Live in Love, a collection of her most-read published articles, interviews, and commentaries. She is also a freelance writer for Cox Media’s Dayton Daily Newspapers and has contributed to numerous local, national, and international newspapers, magazines, and publications.

Carrie is the Founder, Artistic Director of God’s Freedom Fighters International (GFFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization celebrating its 25th anniversary. She has coordinated numerous citywide entertainment and faith-based events across Ohio and served as a prison ministry director, leader, and keynote speaker for conferences, churches, organizer of special events, and programs for youth, women, and fathers. With more than 20 years in entertainment, she has worked in film, commercials, theater, comedy, modeling, and voice-over. In business, she was a top sales and marketing person for: Shawntech Communication.



Carrie has been acknowledged by former Ohio Governor Bob Taft and President Barack Obama for her exceptional contributions as a change agent. She was also recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for her ministry work and her book I Am My Father’s Daughter…. She served in the United States Army Reserve and received an honorable discharge.

Carrie is the mother of two adult children, including her son who passed away in 2022. She is also a proud grandmother of three and guardian to her 90-year-old mother.