in Birmingham, Alabama. She was a member of East Gardendale Baptist Church and the
Hope Inspired Sunday School Class.
Sonja was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Richard Swinford, Sr, her brother
Phillip Parsons, and mother Esther Parsons.
She is survived by her sons Richard Jr (Paula), Lee, and Jerry (Karen); her grandchildren
Dustin (Lindsey), Cory, Julian, and Crystal Bowen (Eric); great-grandchildren Juliana, Caden,
Madison, and Margaret.
Graveside services will be held on Monday July 8, 2024 at 1 0am at Oakwood Memorial
Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Rd, Gardendale, AL 35071. Ridout's Gardendale Chapel directing.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gardendale Public Library or the Alzheimer's
Association.
