Sonja Jay

Sonja Jay, 86, of Evansville, IN passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital. She was born on February 1, 1939, in Ottumwa, IA to the late Clyde W. and Bernice F. (Carpenter) Hawkins.

She worked as a phlebotomist for 26 years with American Red Cross, where she was also involved in their training program. Sonja loved her family and especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Sonja enjoyed traveling and watching sprint car racing with her family and friends.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry Hawkins; and sister, Lucretia Huddleston.

She is survived by her sons, Rick Jay (Carmen) and Tim Jay (Pam); daughter, Kendra Elpers (Carl); grandchildren, Hannah Everly (Logan), Nicholas Jay (Samantha), Troy Turpen (Tessie), Andy Turpen (Abby), Jourdan Bourne (Sam), Alexandria Kappert (Taylor), and Madison Mercer (Brad); 16 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Judy Hawkins; and nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Alexander Funeral Home East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 with Pastor Johanna Damme officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Alexander Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.