Sonya Smith Farmer

Sonya Gail Farmer was born to Mack and Virgina Smith on August 15, 1966 in Poplarville, MS. She spent her first 12 years playing with her brothers, Kelton and Craig, her cousins Billy Don and Lou and made her some lifelong friends. They spent their days riding bikes, building forts and playing around the neighborhood. At 12, her daddy’s work moved them to Quitman, MS, where she finished school. She later moved back to Poplarville to be close to her cousins and live with her grandmother, Daisey, or Dae Dae as everyone called her.

Sonya decided to attend Pearl River Community College, where she received her Associate Degree in Barbering. It also how she met her future father in law, and future boss, Clelly Farmer. She immediately went to work at Clelly’s Barber Shop in heart of Poplarville, which is now known as Pearson Barber Shop. That is where her 36 year career of serving the community began. It brought her so much joy to provide the little boys with their first haircuts. She sent so many kids off to their ballgames with the coolest lines, fades and mohawks around. She prepared numerous people for homecomings, proms, weddings and even gave some their last cuts.

She loved her community, but her true love was her boys, Dakota and Dylan. Once they were born, her life was centered around them. She gave them parties, went to every ballgame and never missed an event. She even hunted and fished with them. She was always present in their life and they knew that she loved them more than anything. She was more than just a mother, she was their best friend. She was so proud of the men they have become. Once Dakota had Harrison and Dylan met Tara and Ethyn, her life was never the same. She was the happiest when she was with her grandsons. They brought her the most joy and she would give them anything they wanted. She loved her daughter in law, Tara, and was always so thankful for her. She loved her like a daughter.

She loved her brothers, Kelton and Craig. They joke about how tough she was growing up, but it proved to be true. She became their “Rock” until the last day. They called her for everything. She was their sounding board.

Sonya got her love of football from her Daddy. If you knew Sonya, you know that she loved her some Alabama Football and would cheer them on every chance she got. They watched endless hours of football and baseball. She was definitely a Daddy’s Girl. She loved being around him. She also spent so much time with her precious mama, shopping, cooking and enjoying life together.

She loved her nieces and nephews, and claimed so many others as family. She was always there for everyone. She never missed a party, a ballgame, a shower or a family get together. When she showed up, everyone prayed that she brought her potato salad. She made everyone feel so special and loved. She loved to laugh and, would usually grab your arm when doing so. She loved her friends and they knew it. She loved God and would not hesitate to tell you about him and how important her faith was.

She was such a Bright Light in our family, our community and our lives will forever be changed. We will always love and miss her.