Mr. Dwain Charles Toney

Dwain Charles Toney was born on November 7, 1960, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late DC and Eartha Toney. As a child, he was known by his siblings as active, outgoing, and even a bit of a prankster. It was also during this time that the family moved to the Hope Community in Jayess, Mississippi, where he spent his formative years. At an early age, Dwain became a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Jayess. It was during his childhood that he discovered his love for music and the piano—something he always credited to his mother, who made sure he took piano lessons. He would often joke about how she made him play while his brother Kadious reluctantly sang along. Dwain attended grade school at JJ Gulledge and later enrolled at Salem Attendance Center, where he graduated in 1978. He was recognized for both his academic and athletic achievements, which earned him a scholarship to Alcorn State University. Two of his favorite high school memories were winning the state Beta Club competition talent show and the night of the football game where he met the love of his life and future wife of 46 years, Wanda. Dwain was known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering faith in God. He worked many years offshore until he experienced a career ending injury. In 1992, following a vision he believed God had given him, he founded the Young Inspirational Mass Choir (Y.I.M.C.), a youth choir made up of teenagers and young adults from the Jayess area. His mission was to give the youth a positive outlet and to introduce them to Christ through music. In addition to his musical calling, Dwain was a beloved barber in the Hope Community. His barbershop was more than just a place to get a haircut—it was a place where people felt loved, seen, and part of something bigger. From early Saturday mornings to late evenings, his shop served as a hub of laughter, encouragement, and community. Dwain also served as a musician for several churches throughout his life, including Salem M.B. Church, Rocky Branch M.B. Church, Bethany M.B. Church, Pen Oak M.B. Church, and Monticello First Baptist Church. Later in life, he became a member of Monticello First Baptist, where he served faithfully as church musician and was honored as an honorary deacon when his health began to decline. If you ever had a conversation with Dwain about what he was most proud of, he would tell you without hesitation: his family. He was a devoted provider, protector, and spiritual leader to those he loved. He instilled in his children the values of faith, family, and hard work. Though he wore many hats in life—musician, mentor, barber, leader—the role that brought him the most joy was being a grandfather and great-grandfather. Dwain is survived by his wife, Wanda; his four children, Karry Toney (Tina), Felisha Toney, Dwanna Toney, and Sherlane Toney; seven grandchildren (Jasmine, Alyssa, Kadarian, Damien, Avery, Amaria and Alaisha), three great-grandchildren (A’Lani, Legasy and Humble), one god-daughter Chikita Mann, and one god-son Robert Collier, III. He is also survived by his two siblings, Mildred Collier (late Robert Collier) and Kadious Toney, and a host of other family, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, DC and Eartha Toney and one sister, Modeania Craft . Visitation hours for Mr. Toney will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 11am-12pm at Monticello First Baptist Church, Monticello, MS with funeral services at 12pm at the church. Rev. Larry Lenoir will officiate the funeral service. Interment will be in the Sartinville Cemetery. Please share online condolences at www.craftfuneralhome.org.

Mr. Dwain Charles Toney

November 7, 1960 - October 7, 2025