Solonia Marie Paine

Solonia Harvell was born in Rosboro, Arkansas to George Harvell and Mary Jones. In 1942 she moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked for the Hanford Nuclear Plant. Solonia was the first African American woman to drive taxi cabs in the state of Washington and was a successful Watkins sales entrepreneur for over 30 years. In 1947 she married A.B. Paine.

Solonia was a wonderful woman, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed.

Solonia raised three children: Adriel B. Paine, Ozella Paine and Phyllis Cravens. She also raised over 52 foster children and never differentiated them from her own. Her foster children included: June King, Shirley Mitchell, Kim Palmer, Lorraine Cravens and Robert Kearn.

She was preceded in death by husband A.B. Paine and long time partner C.J. Brooks; parents: George Harvell, and Mary Langston; sisters: Cora Mae Bailey, Georgia Stanley, Ozell Marks, Lillie Kate Lindsey and granddaughter Shonta.

Solonia is survived by children: Adriel Paine Sheree, Ozella Bradley Robert, and Phyllis Cravens; grandchildren: Deshawn, ReElda, Deonna, Adriel, Adria, Ossha, Ariel, Rozella, Adrien, Donte, and Arron, 31 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Ulis George, Patsy, Sonny, Lonny Joe, Bernice, Bobbie, Carolyn, Willie B., Melissa, the Winbush, the Lindsey and the Scott families as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Solonia was a long time member of Cherry Hill Baptist Church; running the food bank that served the community for many years.

Solonia's last home was at Providence Mount St. Vincent where she and the staff lovingly cared for each other.