IN MEMORIAM: LaToya Nicole Holland-Thomas

San Diego Voice and Viewpoint Staff

LaToya Nicole, a beloved daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, was born in San Diego, California, to Arshield and Betty Holland on August 9, 1979. She received her formal education in the San Diego Unified School District, attending Fulton Elementary, O’Farrell Junior High, and graduating from Morse High School in 1997.

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LaToya gave her life to Christ at a young age. She was a devoted member of Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Foxworth Sr. and later her brother Rev. Donnell Townsend. As a member of Pilgrim she participated in the Hines Specials, the Mission Department, the praise dance ministry YSSC, and Dancing Sisters for Christ. She also shared her beautiful soprano voice in the Voices of Deliverance and the Voices of Praise adult choir.

Though small in stature, LaToya had a bold and loving spirit. She was feisty, full of humor, and warm hearted. She was the proud mother of three children: Khyran Jackson, Ashley Thomas, and Amarjaye Thomas, whom she cherished. Her bright smile, joyful laugh, and fun-loving nature filled every room she entered and brought happiness to all who knew her.

In 2024, LaToya faced a Breast Cancer diagnosis with courage and deep faith. She fought with strength in mind, body, and spirit, keeping her trust in Jesus through her treatments and doctor visits. Her determination never faded, and even in difficult moments her faith remained strong.

On November 7, 2025, LaToya completed her earthly journey and received her heavenly wings, leaving a legacy of love, courage, and devotion. As the scripture in 2 Timothy 4:7 reminds us, she fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

She is welcomed into heaven by her parents; Arshield and Betty Holland.

She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren; Aa’Khyiah, Kyliah, Kylani, Khyran Jr, Taylon, and Khyro, siblings; Aaron Holland (Ebony) and Sheila Townsend(Donnell), niece Don’Quenae’ Townsend, bonus son Jonathan Darden, and close friends; Shantell Caldwell, Shimmy, Tanika Darden, and Kimberly Fife. She is also remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and loved ones who will hold her memory in their hearts.Her loving spirit, joyful voice, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed.

LaToya’s spirit lives on in the love she shared and the lives she touched.