In 2022 at Philadelphia Presbyterian Preschool & TK, I started a program named Book Buddies. Sonya was the first person to volunteer. She read books to the children from February thru May. Although she didn't feel well she came to the end of the year program in May. We stayed in touch thru the summer and I would take her small boquets of flowers to brighten her day. I promised Sonya that the program would not start back until she was better. Now that she is totally healed and reading to children in heaven the program has been renamed Sonya's Book Buddies. Although I only knew her for a few months she instantly became special to me. She filled a void in my heart each time we talked, I had lost my mother just months before.  She always said, "Ok, dear heart", just like my mother. I miss her so much and thank you for sharing her.

To the entire family, 
  We loved Sonia as our own, what a breath of fresh air and a delight to be around. She always brought a wonderful edge to a conversation or gathering.  Prayers with you all, we will miss her. 

Oh my goodness what can I say I will miss you dearly You will always be a  shinning star in my life You gave me the best advice and support when i needed it the most and your talents were endless Your presence on this earth will be missed by your many many admirers Heaven is your new home Go spread some sunshine❤️

Sending love to the sister of my heart, all the beautiful memories we have shared over the years. I will miss you and see you again one day. 

Love,
Jackie Sourbeer

Sonya was a dear friend as she was my Deacon.  She was a ray of sunshine on the gloomy days.  Always there when an ear was needed never judging.
One of the sweetest ladies one would ever meet.  We would go with friends out to eat at restaurants or her special place Veterans Park so she wouldn’t be around people during Covid.
Will miss her…her phone calls, cards and most of all her prayers.

Heaven has a new angel.  God needed her sew to take away her pain. Wish he could send her back without any disease and pain.
God takes the best and here we are.  

Sonya, until we meet again.  I will miss you as will everyone whose life you’ve ever touched.  
Sympathy to your family. 
Love to your memory.  Janice Cooper

We were fast friends at ages 15 and 13. We’ were separated with college and raising our families. We resumed our relationship when I was widowed and she divorced. When she moved to Charlotte we were always on the phone to catch up and discuss our mutual friends. I was forever impressed at how she pushed aside illnesses and kept going. This latest bout with throat cancer she took on with great courage. She and all of us who loved her felt she would win.  I have no doubt that she and our Lord will soon become best friends. She will be missed by all of us who knew and loved her. Bill thomas

Jay and Lisa, Beth and Debbie....So many memories. On behalf of my mom, Lucyand I, we are so sorry for your loss. Mom and Sonya shared a special friendship through the years and Sonya was always there for her during some very difficult times. Through their friendship, I was blessed with a friendship with Lisa and Jay and all their children. My favorite memory with Sonya and my mom, was our Charleston trip, for a gymnastic trip with Catherine and my daughter Heidi.  Sonya bought them tiaras in the gift shop, but before giving them to the girls, she, of course walked around the lobby with one on her head❤️ RIP sweet lady, so many fun memories and thank you for sharing your love with so many.

OBITUARY

Sonya S. Kelley

December 28, 1936 – December 17, 2022

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

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