Sonya G. Stewart

Sonya G. Stewart, 87, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Sonya was born in Arkansas to S. Curtis and Allie Townsend. At a young age, she and her family moved to Michigan, where she attended high school. Upon moving to Rockford, she worked at Top Hat Restaurant, making many friends throughout the several years she was there.

Sonya was grounded in her faith, a natural caregiver, and she loved fiercely. Her love and laughter was contagious. Sonya was a bright soul in everyone’s life and she made sure all people around her were taken care of. Sonya especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great children. Her love support, kindness, and her ability to make others feel heard was unmatched. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a huge part of her identity and purpose which allowed her to foster such wonderful relationships with each and every one of them. When the weather was nice, she saw it as an opportunity to get outside and sit in the sun for hours chatting with neighbors, making phone calls, or just enjoying some alone time in beautiful weather. She also had a particular love for fashion, so much so, that she transformed a spare room into an entire closet just for her! Sonya had many hobbies which included cooking, reading, shopping, fashion, & organization. She had special talent to make every space comfortable and welcoming. Sonya will be incredibly missed, but her love for her family and friends will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her children, Rebecca Larson and Donald (Robin) Stewart; grandchildren, Tifany (Gene) Murath, Casey Larson, Jeff (Kaela) Stewart, Brett Stewart, Jordan (Ryan) Papa, Jennifer Thompson, and Melissa (Ken Rockwell) Peterson; numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Margaret Thomas, Judy Pannick, Tonya (Warren) Clutter; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Curtis Smith; great-grandson, Braden; parents, S. Curtis and Allie; siblings, Hoyt Townsend, Dorla Dossey, Barbara Jackson, Leo Townsend, and Caroleta Gibson.