Mrs. Sonja F. McInnis

Sonja Faye Thibodeaux McInnis, 82, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Born on December 5, 1942, in Beaumont, she remained a proud lifelong resident of Southeast Texas. Sonja lived a life rooted in faith, service, and devotion—to God, her family, her friends, and her community. She was a brilliant woman, a faithful servant of the Lord, a loving mother, a loyal friend, and a devoted wife whose gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

Sonja is survived by her loving husband, Johnny McInnis, with whom she shared a devoted partnership that began in 1967 and blossomed into nearly six remarkable decades of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Desa Praznik and husband, Gary, of Allegan, Michigan; Tara McInnis of Fannett, Texas; and Jana Roberds and husband, Clint, of Missouri City, Texas; and by her brother, Bill Thibodeaux and wife, Diana, of Cuero, Texas.

She was the proud grandmother of Chelsea Praznik of Allegan, Michigan; Spencer Praznik and wife, Katie, of Allegan, Michigan; Dr. Madison Roberds of Brenham, Texas; and Carson Roberds of College Station, Texas. Sonja held a special place in her heart for her great grandchildren, Piper and Colt Praznik.

She delighted in being a loving aunt to B.J Thibodeaux and wife, Marcy, and their children Luke and Preslea Thibodeaux, Caitlin Clark (Nolan), and Grant Kruckenberg.

Sonja was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mazel Hidalgo Thibodeaux Richards and Harold Richards, as well as her father, Ivy Thibodeaux.

Throughout her life, Sonja treasured the people around her deeply. She often expressed gratitude by saying:

“My family, friends, church people, neighbors, work people, young and old, people I went to school with, people who took care of me, supported me and watched my back, people who did work for me—will always be dear to my heart.”

These were not just words for Sonja—they were the way she lived her life. She believed every person who crossed her path was a blessing, and she treated them with the same warmth, care, and respect she hoped to receive.

Friendship was one of the greatest blessings of Sonja’s life. Her dearest friend since elementary school, JoAnn Bordeman, remained faithfully by her side until her last day. Sonja and JoAnn were proud members of a cherished group known as “The Greenie Girls”—a circle of lifelong friends who stayed tightly connected through monthly lunches, beach trips, and decades of shared memories. Their unwavering bond remained one of Sonja’s greatest joys.

In 2001, Sonja moved to Fannett, Texas, where she quickly found a spiritual home at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She served joyfully and faithfully as a member of the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters, and as a Eucharistic Minister. She also volunteered as a collection counter and served in many other roles whenever needed. Through St. Mary’s she formed friendships that became like family. Among these treasured friends were Jeanette Duplantis and Annetta Craigen, whose love, support, and presence brought comfort to Sonja through her most difficult days.

Sonja’s family will be forever grateful for the exceptional care provided by her devoted caregiver, Joyce Mannon, who lovingly cared for her in her final months and final hours. Deep appreciation is also extended to her Hospice Care Team—Nurse Leigh Tyler, Justin Toney, and Jessett Castro—who became part of the family through their compassionate and remarkable care.

Sonja will be remembered for her kindness, her gentleness, her humor, and her quiet strength. She never met a stranger, always saw the good in others, and was the first to offer a helping hand—often believing she had not done enough, even when she had given her all. She was truly a selfless woman whose love for her family, her friends, and her Lord radiated in everything she did.

Serving as pallbearers will be B.J. Thibodeaux, Luke Thibodeaux, Clint Roberds, Carson Roberds, Gordon Friesz, Lynn Miller, Lenny Rodriguez, and Spencer Praznik. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Bordeman and Buddy Duplantis.

Burial arrangements for Mrs. McInnis were entrusted to Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703.

Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will be carried forward by everyone whose life she touched. She was loved by all—and she will be dearly, dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fannett, Texas.