Sonja Yvonne Harris

Sonja Yvonne Harris, 86, of Belleville, IL. died July 5, 2024 in Belleville. She was born June 13, 1938 in Dowell, Illinois, the daughter of the late John and Maxine Maksin. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years Arthur LeRoy Harris.

Sonja spent most of her life dedicated to children as a homemaker, a playground monitor at Bunsen Elementary in Belleville and seventeen years at St. Mathews Daycare in Belleville. Along the way she found time to care for children of family and neighbors. She was also involved in The Belleville Khoury League for several years serving as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary and managing concession stands with her family during that time.

She was also an enthusiastic co-owner and supporter of a dirt track racing team she shared with her husband Art for eleven years. She displayed a passion in the grandstands that amazed her own children, and always put a smile on everyone’s faces.

She was a long-time member of Freeburg Baptist Church in Freeburg, Illinois.

She is survived by sons: Kevin (Tracy) Harris of Cookeville, TN., Michael (Madonna) Harris of Smithton, IL. and Todd (Christina) Harris of Belleville, IL.; grandchildren: Amber (Keith) Hardy, Aubrey (Ryan) Thessing, Jacob Harris, and Aislinn Harris; great-grandchildren: Kaine Hardy, Dallas Hardy, Alida Thessing, and Laina Thessing; and sisters: Mary (Bill) Keller of Springfield, MO., Sue (Bill) Keith of Dowell, IL., and Jinx (Edd) Fish, of Centralia, IL.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Heartland Hospice. Memories and expressions of condolences may be made at: www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com