I have wonderful memories of Sonya!  Having taught Lainie and Danielle, I had many opportunities to interact with her.  I remember how respectful and appreciative she was.  When I saw her, she always greeted me with “Hi Mrs. Murphy”.  What truly struck me each time, and my sweetest memory of her, is the warm and kind smile that would accompany the greeting.  Lainie and Danielle also have that warm, happy, kind, and “make you feel good” attitude.  I remember as well all the times she gave some of her time to our school, volunteering for various events or activities.  Again, always smiling!  The last time I saw Sonya was this August, at Porter Ridge Middle School, at open house.  I was leaving the band room with my son and husband as she was coming in with Lainie.  Once again, she greeted me warmly!  We had a quick but pleasant conversation about the new school year and about how our kiddos were growing up so fast!  To Mr. Ross, their daughters, and other family members, please know that Sonya’s warmth and smile were recognized and appreciated by many more people than just myself.  After having heard of her passing, while talking with others, her smile and kindness were mentioned more than once!  Thinking of her will always bring a smile to my face! 

As I sit to type this it seems fitting really that a smile overcomes me; in my heart and on my face and it is my sweet friend Sonya's smile.  Forever that is what I will carry with me.  We met as teens on the on beaches of New Smyrna and from day one we were the girls of summer.  Each year the drive down to our piece of paradise seemed soooooo long because I couldn't wait to see you my friend.  Oh what fun we had; endless days on the beach with our baby oil (kids today are so much smarter than we were), finding that perfect spot by the lifeguard stand (just in case we drowned-ha), nights spent walking those beaches and hanging in the lobby. . . we had it all.  But what is even more treasured is the friendship that evolved into family; never more than a phone call away and by the power of the internet (remember we met when we were teens- who knew a computer could do all this and we AREN'T that old) just a click away.  I loved our talks face to face and IM to IM.  There was comfort in knowing that I could hop over to your page and get that warm smile staring right back at me whenever I needed it.   Sonya thank you for simply being you my friend my life is better for having had you in it.  I found the perfect spot, join me when you can but know the pink chair is mine-ha ha. 

Matt, Wanda, Brett and Sonya's most treasured girls thank you for sharing her heart with me.  My prayers are with you each and every day.  Love ya'll.


I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. 

Growing up around the corner from Sonya, she was always one of my go to houses after school or on weekends when it was time to go play.  We were not allowed to play inside (I think most moms were like that then) but we still found something to get into with the others in the neighborhood.  Throughout middle/high school we were not in each other’s circles, but that never stopped us from cutting up in the hallways or at lunch.  Sonya had an infectious smile even then that drew you in.  May she continue to  watch over her friends and family with the angels by her side.

I met Sonya when her daughter Marguerite joined my Girl Scout Troop back in 2009. My family had just moved to Indian Trail and I knew no one in this area. The first thing I saw was her beautiful bright smile and willingness to help in any way. She would do anything for her girls and her husband. Our friendship grew over the years of Girl Scout camping trips, trips to Charleston and to Savannah to name just a few. We also had daughters in the same grade at the same school. As the years rolled on our friendship grew as well. As with everyone’s life it gets busier and busier and in a blink of an eye our daughters were graduating high school. Every time we would pass one another there was that bright smile and warm embrace. Sonya it is so hard to believe you have left this world, but we know you have big plans to fulfill. You will watch over your family and shine your light and bright smile down on them from the heavens. You are loved always and my family are better people for getting to know you. Until we meet again sweet Sonia...

My Sonya,

We started out this journey driving to Charleston for our honeymoon, ecstatic counting money from our wishing well reception. We were going to take on this world together. And we did, from proofing each other’s papers to planting flowers to building a family. You have stood by my side for the last 22 years and 26 days of marriage. You supported me like no other. I know we planned to someday build a front porch with a swing, and sit on that future swing together, but life took a turn.  Like so many things in our life, we needed to change our plans a little. I will now take comfort knowing that the future swing is not here, it is in heaven, you are saving my seat. 

Your Matt

I will always remember her smile. I can’t think of a time when she wasn’t smiling.  We bonded over our love for Prince and become instant friends.  She will be deeply missed. 

My dearest friend Sonya. How can I even think of one memory to share when there are just too many to choose from. We met for the first time in Girl Scouts almost 10 years ago. I knew from the first time we talked you and I would be friends.  That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that I will cherish always. Our first real trip together was to Savannah, Georgia. That’s when I begin to really get to know and love you . From that day forward we would share many stories, raps, songs, dances, Cha Cha slides, wobbles, laughs, tears, long bus rides, short bus rides, broken down bus rides, football games, competitions, roller coasters, camps, costumes, twin days, cookouts, parties, rainy days, motel rooms, hurricanes, cookie booths, and so many many more amazing memories that I will cherish and  hold near and dear to my heart forever. You were a beautiful person inside and out. Your beautiful spirit will live on through your beautiful girl’s. Your memory will live on forever in all those who knew and loved you! . You were more loved than you could’ve ever known. You will be deeply missed by so many. Treasured in my heart you will stay until we meet again some day! Rest In Peace my dear sweet friend.  I’ll love you always! 

We first met Sonya early last year with the PR Band of Pirates.  We were freshman parents.  She quickly introduced herself and made us feel like we had been there  for quite a while and she had known us all for years.  Anytime we saw her, she  always made a point to smile, wave,  and speak to us.  It didn’t matter if it was at PR or Walmart.  She had the most beautiful smile and it was infectious.  You couldn’t help but smile and be happy around her.  Sonya was truly special- a rare gem.  She will be missed by so many.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.  

Although we we’re not close friends, the Band of Pirates made us family. You always had a smile and a hug ready for anyone who needed it.  You will always be missed and forever loved. God Bless and Rest.

I remeber the night your daddy and I found out from the Red Cross of your birth. We were in Thailand at the time. I was at work on top of the wing of one of our fighters in the hangar for repairs. Your dad came roaring up in one of the "tugs" we used to tow airplanes. He handed me a note he had received announcing your birth. I came down and we rode off to celebrate as we watched the sun rise over the flight line. How happy we both were that morning I will never forget it. Proud to have known you and been honored to be your Godfather. Iwill miss you dearly. Give your daddy a hug and kiss for me you dear girl. Be at peace.

Please accept our condolences and know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.   

Dear Sweet Sonya Sunshine....So many memories from Poplin Elementary to PR Middle to of course, PR Band of Pirates.  Your smile, your laugh, your light is missed so much.  Love you dearly my friend....

Our friendship began over 10 years ago at the corner bus stop.  We would meet there just about every afternoon and just share our day.  Some visits would be quick and some would last a couple of hours.  There were many days that the kids would get off the bus, go home, get a snack and come back to find us still there talking.  “Mom, you and Ms. Sonya sure do talk a lot “. 😊... as our kids grew, so did our friendship.  We shared so many wonderful times together... one time we were at our communities National Night Out, I think our girls were in the 9th grade.  Sonya, Tara and myself thought we would get up on stage and dance the Wobble to embarrass our girls.  But much to our surprise, the 3 girls joined us on stage and we all were dancing.  How cool, that was one of many experiences we shared with our girls... parties... bonfires... swim meets... band camp... Friday night football games... chaperoning band competitions.. school field trips...  so many wonderful memories.  I now cherish these moments and sure will miss seeing my friend.  Our prayers for her family.   John, Cindy, Jennin and Josh 


My beautiful Baby Doll, Our earthly world will not the same without you. Heaven gained another Angel. You have always been the most loving, caring, sweet, nurturing Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and Friend any family would ever have the honor to have had. I know how special You have been. Now I know how special You have been to many others. You have always been as beautiful on the inside as you are in the outside and that is saying a lot. You asked your Daddy and me years ago if anything happened to you and Matt for us to raise your beautiful girls. Until we meet again, I will cherish your daughters, husband and brother as you did. We will see you and your Daddy again one day.  I LOVE YOU AND YOUR DADDY TO HEAVEN AND BACK.

Sonya
Say her name and you see her radiant SMILE!  To know her made you feel as if you received instant love from your life's best friend.   Her energy was contagious and she loved like no other.   We are so lucky we had a chance to have Sonya touch our hearts and lives.  She is bigger than any words that can be said, greater than any sorrow we feel,  she will be forever in our memories and hearts.   
Girls you have a strong foundation of love and joy built for you by your parents.   Hang on to that.  You are going to do great things in your lives.     

Peace and Love to you all



Sonya was my partner in crime for our Girl Scout troop.  She was also a very dear friend.  One of my favorite memories had nothing to do with Girl Scouts!  We were playing bunco with the neighborhood group on a Friday night and afterward a friend invited us over to swim
In her pool.  We did not have swim suits, so we jumped in with our clothes on!  It was a cold fall night, we would run back and forth to the hot tub to get warm.  I tried very hard to get underwater photos of us.  I have a handful before my phone died.  I thought my otter box could go under water.  Sadly it was not meant for a saltwater pool!  Sonya had a fun personality and a wonderful heart.  I miss her already!  I am thankful I was able to be her friend and she had an impact on everyone’s lives that she knew!  

Our deepest condolences go out to you all.  While we haven't seen you personally in quite some time, we always enjoyed reading Sonya's posts on Facebook.  Her kindness and sense of humor will be deeply missed.   Love from Jonathan, Jennifer, Baylie and Mason Young in Newnan, GA.

I am a friend of Your Grandmother Estelene .  As I read through the comments  I could tell you were so much like her.  A great angel here on earth  just as she is .  Prayers to the family.



Sonya was one of the first band mom's to welcome our family into the Pirate family.   She was one of the sweetest ladies we knew.   She was always happy and smiling.   She always loved on my youngest daughter, cheered for & supported my oldest daughter.   Sonya became a second mom to both girls.   She always talked about her love of music and fast cars with my husband.  She will be greatly missed by our family.   We are keeping the entire Ross and Douglas families in our thoughts and prayers.

Love - Megan, Morgan, Stephanie and Stan Hinnerichs

Luke, the boys and I have been The Ross''s next door neighbors  for 10 yrs. In those 10 yrs we shared many stories at the bus stop, at the mail box and it never failed always in the driveway hanging on our fence. Sonya and I would talk for so long that we started talking around maybe 6pm and would finally say goodnight around 9pm. Sonya was a very special person. You could talk to Sonya about everything and anything. Sonya was a caring, loving, compassionate and yes sometimes a spit fire! We will miss you so very, very much. We love you and you will always be in our prayers.. 

Having a wonderful time at Mr. Russell’s and Nathan’s house getting to know Sonya and her family and of course eating our weight in oysters! Each of you are in my prayers! Love y’all! 

Our friendship began over 10 years ago at the corner bus stop.  We would meet there just about every afternoon and just share our day.  Some visits would be quick and some would last a couple of hours.  There were many days that the kids would get off the bus, go home, get a snack and come back to find us still there talking.  “Mom, you and Ms. Sonya sure do talk a lot “. 😊... as our kids grew, so did our friendship.  We shared so many wonderful times together... one time we were at our communities National Night Out, I think our girls were in the 9th grade.  Sonya, Tara and myself thought we would get up on stage and dance the Wobble to embarrass our girls.  But much to our surprise, the 3 girls joined us on stage and we all were dancing.  How cool, that was one of many experiences we shared with our girls... parties... bonfires... swim meets... band camp... Friday night football games... chaperoning band competitions.. school field trips...  so many wonderful memories.  I now cherish these moments and sure will miss seeing my friend.  Heaven is a little brighter, having added some extra sun shine...  Sonya sunshine ... My prayers for her family.  

I first met Sonya when she worked with my son Matthew. She was always so positive and encouraging whenever we met. Soon after, I had the pleasure of having her firstborn, Maggie, in my class. We continued our friendship that year and then on. Girl Scout cookies and Halloween kept us in contact at least twice a year. It never seemed as though time had passed. We were always able to catch up and keep on chatting. 
Sonya was such a happy person. Her smile was contagious whenever you saw her. She will be greatly missed by all. 
My thoughts and prayers are with her family as I know they have lost a beautiful bright light in their lives!

It would be a Herculean task to share just one memory of Sonya.  Over that past few days I have read and heard so many wonderful stories.  She was a chameleon (she would love that she was compared to a semi-lizard).  She truly was a chameleon though.  She seemed to have an innate sense of knowing just what someone needed and would transform into it; be it the sympathetic ear, the embracer, the jokester, the nurturer, the counselor, the debater, the comforter, the chef....whatever..... Sonya was a STEADFAST FRIEND.   

‘Til we meet again, as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has promised to all who believe in him.   

Sonya, 💜4-ever.  Thank you for your friendship and for all the great belly laughs.  I WILL MISS YOU SO VERY MUCH. 💔

Watch over all the loves of your life, especially those three beautiful daughters who will forever be your pride and joy!  




 

I met Sonya through Poplin PTA many years ago. She became a dear friend to me.  Whatever crazy events we had going, she was always there along side the team - from the Fun Runs, teacher luncheons, dances, and more.. always there with a warm smile! I will miss sharing stories of our kids, fun recipes, and reminiscing  of  our favorite 80's bands  (good ole' days)! Sonya and I shared the same passions and volunteer spirit. Her light radiated over so many. I feel so blessed to have known her.  She will always be my Poplin PTA Ohana and my dear friend. Until we meet again-  "May the roads rise to meet you, may the wind always be at  your back, the sunshine warm upon your face, the rains fall softly upon your fields, and until we meet again, may the God that loves us all, hold you in the palm of his hand"

I met Sonya in high school at Harding. She was so nice and always had a radiate smile on her face. She will be missed dearly. RIP my sweet friend.

When me and my brother were kids Sonya would  wrap us up in big t- shirts and roll us around on the floor. She would always play with us when we came to visit in Charlotte. I haven’t seen her in 8 years but we are family.  It is never goodbye, it’s see you later. We will meet again one day.  You was a wonderful  cousin! 

I love you Sonya
Julia Gambill 


 My memory start from early childhood when Sonya and I met in elementary school.  We were fast friends at the start. Forever best friends is what we called each other. I have lots of wonderful memories growing up with each other. My heart is broken but I know I will see her again in heaven. I’ve bake forever best friends is what we call each other. I have lots of wonderful memories growing up with each other. My heart is broken but I know I will see her again in heaven.  I faithfully continue to pray for this precious family. May God wrap His loving arms around them. May they feel His presence  when they needed the most. I love you so much Sonya💖.

One of my favorite memories of Ms. Sonya is the week at church camp I shared with her and Marguerite. It was amazing to watch how God was working and speaking to them both throughout the week. Ms. Sonya graciously poured her wisdom and encouragement into me and gave me the honor of encouraging her as well. She is such a kind person and I'm so thankful I was able to meet her. I love you, Ms. Sonya.

Sonya you have always been a bright light.  You had a radiant smile, a hearty laugh and had a bad word for no one.  

You were a great Mom - always so proud and supporting of your girls.  And you were a great Wife to Matt. You were an example for us all. 

I knew you were special the first time I met you and I knew we would always be friends.  You gave me the privilege of putting you and Matt in your home in Lake Park.  And I was so excited for you guys. Our chats on Facebook over the years kept me updated and was so enjoyed.  

For the girls know your Mom
Will always be here in your heart. Stay true to the things she taught you and she was always proud of you! Matt my heart breaks for you. 

Shine on my friend. Shine on because I have no doubt about where you are today! Until we meet again. 

I met Sonya at UNC Charlotte during our Senior year...we were both pregnant expecting our first child. We bonded instantly. Sometime after graduation, she moved to Atlanta to persue her masters and we kept in touch. I was so excited to hear that she was moving back a few years later and right around the corner. We were able to reintroduce our first borns to each other and they became instant friends. We would spend many Friday nights scrapbooking at Faith Church in Lake Park. We would reminisce of college days and of course swap kid stories and most importantly laugh! Over the years, as our families expanded, we didn’t see each other as often anymore, but we kept in touch via Facebook and text. Oh how her Facebook posts entertained me! She was so funny and had such a loving spirit! She was an amazing mom and there was never any doubt as to how much she loved her family. She was the type of person that would do whatever she could to help anyone out. She will be greatly missed! Heaven surely gained an AMAZING angel. RIP my dear friend! 

Thinking of Sonya will always make me smile.  Her big hugs whenever I saw her, catching up on her beautiful girls and what they were currently doing, memories of New Smyrna Beach trips. I am so fortunate to have known this wonderful woman, wife, and mother. You are forever in my heart!

My favorite memory of Sonya was that she always had a smile on her face. She always had something nice to say and she always always laughed at my less than funny jokes. She’s one of those dance moms you just love to have around because she was always uplifting everyone and enjoying every second of any time she got to be in the dance room to watch. After moving studios I only got to see her at dance recitals and she was as sweet to me then as she was before. What a beautiful family she created that will live on through her kids. So much love to your family, Sonya. ♥️

Sonya has been a friend, neighbor and “partner in PTA and all things school related” for years!  I have so many fond memories of our times together from early on with our girls having fun play dates, to PTA Poplin days where you were ALWAYS there to volunteer and support (wearing that Sweet Frog costume for me at the last minute is my favorite!)  to most recently our Dollar Store parking lot encounter where we spent almost an hour just talking and catching up.  She has the most contagious smile and her heart is pure gold.  I will miss our quick waves, smiles and honks as I drive past your house.  Heaven just received a beautiful angel.  May God bless your precious family with sweet memories and peace.

I first met your mom the day you started kindergarten at Sardis Elementary. One of the first things I noticed about her was her radiant smile and her beautiful soul. As the years passed those things never changed. Your mom was an amazingly beautiful person who greeted everyone with love. I will miss her joyful laugh and seeing her beautiful smile. She was definitely one of a kind!

We all 11 girls when on a cruise couple months ago Wanda and her daughter had join us she was a fun person great kind heart we will all miss her Rest in peace from Pauline Andrea Karianne Cathy Sharon and Stacy  love you

I met you by accident but I think it was God's gift that was sent at the right time. Thank you for being a light after the death of my mother.  Fly high sweet lady.

Sonya, your smile was always a bright light, and you are terribly missed. You gave  so selflessly for the band and created a happy atmosphere for everyone around you. I am thankful to have spent time with you and know I will see you again. My prayers and thoughts are with Matt and the girls. Fly high, sweet friend. 

Always smiling. One of the sweetest ladies I was lucky to become friends. An angel on earth has gained her wings in heaven.

We used to scrap book together at Faith Church. She was always so sweet and always smiling. I send my love to the family and pray for peace for everyone that knew and loved her. 
RIP


I will always remember that amazing smile and love for everyone. The amount of hours of love and hard work put in for the band and her daughters is something only someone with a true, 
 genuine, and sweet heart could do. Mrs. Ross will not be forgotten by me or my fellow band members and band parents for without her spirit and joyful vibe she consistently spread, we would not have such amazing lifelong memories. Rest in peace

I love you mama! You were the best mama I could ask for. You loved everyone you knew and everyone loves you back. I know you’re in heaven with Pawpaw, Mawmaw, Brenda ,Squiggy , and Max. We will all miss you very much! 

OBITUARY

Sonya Douglas Ross

February 20, 1973 – October 31, 2018

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

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