Alara Toney Obituary

Alara Annette (nee West) Toney (July 7, 1947 - March 23, 2025) of East Orange, NJ made her transition at the age of 77 in Florham Park, NJ. She was born in East Orange, NJ to Mattie Annette (nee Evans) West & John Arthur West, Sr. Alara's family was comprised of her _. siblings: John Arthur West, Jr., Beverly Joyce (nee West) Arrington, Cheryl Lelia (nee West) Bryan, Debra Ann West, and Emmanuel "Pete" Smith West, Sr. (deceased); a multitude of nieces and nephews; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; and several in-laws: mother­-in-law Mary (nee Malone) Toney (deceased), father-in-law Lee Edward Toney (deceased), brother-in-law Walter Lee Edward Toney, Sr., sister-in-law Joanne Toney (deceased), brother-in-law Nathan Bryan, Sr. (deceased), sister-in-law Linda (nee Jenkins) West, and brother-in-law Arthur Arrington (deceased). Teaming up in grade school, A!ara had a devoted, lifelong friend in Vicki (nee Murray) Blakey.
An honor roll student throughout her entire schooling, Alara graduated from Orange High School in 1965 and was the consummate professional, executive administrative assistant throughout her whole career span. She retired from the Executive Board Office of New Jersey Transit after 25 years.
Also meeting in grade school, Alara married her high school sweetheart James Charles Toney, Sr. August 14, 2025 would have been their 60th wedding anniversary! From this union, Alara and James produced and nurtured three children: James Charles Toney, Jr. (deceased), Denise Lynette Toney, and Duane Lateef Toney.
Alara enjoyed dancing, reading, cooking, caring for her pet cats, growing plants, homemaking, doing crossword puzzles/ word searches, discussing politics, listening to good music, especially light jazz and R&B, and singing. She was a stellar interior designer and could effortlessly carry a tune. Many cats were rescued from the outdoors and homed elsewhere because of her kindness. Tweaking her Aunt Mattie's recipe, interspersing her own flair, Alara could make a MEAN sweet potato pie.
Known for being funny, especially when teamed up with her husband, Alara was also exceptionally knowledgeable - with many seeking her out for her advice - sacrificially generous, and extraordinarily creative and resourceful. Her life was a testament to her remarkable strength and resilience. Alara Annette Taney's love and legacy will live on in our hearts forever, and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 • 2:00PM-8:00PM at Cambria Hotel located at 12 Rooney Circle in West Orange, NJ.