‘She was a light.’ FVSU student remembered for her spirit, determination

Family and friends are remembering Justice Toomer, a Fort Valley State University student, for her vibrant presence and unwavering commitment to her school community.

Justice, 21, died on Jan. 31, 2026, according to a memorial service flyer shared by her family. She was one of two students recently memorialized by Fort Valley State University in a social media post recognizing the students, who died in separate incidents.

Justice, who was in her senior year at FVSU and set to graduate in May, had planned to continue her education at the University of Texas to pursue a master’s degree and work as a criminal psychologist, her mother, Jessica Toomer said.

Jessica Toomer said she will remember her daughter as someone who was very outgoing and determined.

“If she said she was going to do something, and she wanted to do it, she did it,” Jessica Toomer told The Telegraph, recalling that Justice followed through with her vision when she set her mind on something, even if that came with motherly doubts.

Justice’s determination showed in her academic and personal life, according to family and friends. Jessica said she wants everyone to remember how “fiery” and “strong-willed” her daughter was.

“She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 8, so my baby has been through a lot,” she added.

Justice was one of three daughters and graduated from Warner Robins High School in 2022. She was majoring in psychology and deeply involved on campus, according to FVSU officials.

The university announced in a Facebook post Feb. 6 the deaths of Toomer and sophomore Laila “Princess” Gadson with “deep sadness.”

“These losses weigh heavily on our University community,” FVSU President Paul Jones said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of our scholars and surround them with our thoughts and prayers.”

The university described Justice as an engaged honors scholar and residential assistant, highlighting her leadership, academic excellence and care for others.

“Toomer made a meaningful difference in the lives of many students through her service and mentorship within our residential community,” the university said.

Friends say Justice’s impact extended far beyond titles or accolades.

For Chyua Squires, a December 2025 FVSU graduate, the news was deeply personal. She said not a day went by without talking to her best friend, Justice. The two met in a psychology class, and their friendship blossomed naturally.

Squires described Justice as a “ball of energy” and someone who showed up as herself “110%” while encouraging people around her to do the same.

“She wanted everybody around her to be comfortable within themselves,” Squires said. “She didn’t want anybody to have a dark cloud over them. She wanted everybody to be happy and to have a voice.”

When asked what she would miss most about Justice, Squires paused briefly before responding in a trembling voice.

“I’ve been trying not to think about that,” she said. “I’m going to miss her honesty because that’s so hard to find in a friend … I’m going to miss having someone around me that I can easily relate to.”

For Squires, the memories come back in flashes — inside jokes no one else would understand, long talks and the comfort of knowing there was always one person she could call in times of chaos.

“I’ve never lost a friend. I was shocked,” the Decatur native said. “But I thank God I met such an amazing person, and I got to know who she was for the short time that we did have her. She was an amazing person to have around and an amazing friend.”

Squires believes her friend would not want people to stay stuck in grief.

“Justice would not want anybody crying. She’d want everybody to celebrate her life,” she said. “She always wanted to laugh, have a good time.”

Even in the middle of pain, Squires is trying to honor that.

“She was definitely a light,” she said. “I’m so happy I got to have her in my life.”

The university asked the public and the Wildcat family to uplift the families of Gadson and Toomer as it honors both students and recognizes their contributions to FVSU.

Gadson’s family could not be reached for comment.

Justice’s memorial service will be Feb. 12 at the Saint Peter AME Church in Fort Valley.

This story was originally published February 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM.