Sonya Nicole White

Many things can be said about Sonya Nicole White. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Sonya was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Sonya was born on May 20, 1995 at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her parents were Jay and Cat Suarez and Eric White. Sonya was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. When she was young, Sonya's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Sonya demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Sonya grew up with seven siblings. She had 3 brothers; Justin, Jaycob and Buddha and 4 sisters; Jayceen, Alexis, Crystal, and Nanea. Sonya was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Sonya carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Sonya was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Sonya was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Sonya could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in cheerleading and dance. In her spare time she liked playing with her siblings. However, to Sonya, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Sonya had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Las Vegas Academy in 2013. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Sonya had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Sonya was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Sonya as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

Always considered a “good” friend, Sonya sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Sonya always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Sonya’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Sonya would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Sonya was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Stazi, Michael, David and Ryan. Later in life, she became friends with Alex and Maddi.

Sonya experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a Spa Receptionist. She was employed for The Aria Casino and Hotel. Sonya always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Sonya took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Sonya was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Sonya continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Sonya was well known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed her as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her personal values. Serving on committees for the local animal sanctuaries.

Sonya loved to travel. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Sonya were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included going to Houston, Texas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Sonya was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Sonya's favorite was Her Whippet/ Bull Terrier mix Stella and her Jack Russel mix Bronson. They were best friends for Sonya had Stella for 4 years and Bronson for 3 years. Her family was rounded out by her 2 dogs Scout and Jasper.

Throughout her life, Sonya was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Sonya leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Sonya Nicole White.

Services were held at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church. Sonya was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery.