OBITUARY
Sonya Elaine Simpson
August 18, 1977 – January 3, 2021
Sonya Elaine Simpson, age 43, of Mount Hope, WV, passed unexpectedly of Covid-19 on January 3rd, 2021 at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV She is survived by her loving husband Darren Simpson and their two sons Brodie and Garrett (Mount Hope, WV); her mother, Leslie Blackhurst (Belle, WV); as well as her grandparents on her mother’s side, Louie and Betty Hutchinson (Belle, WV). Siblings, Jason Blackhurst and his wife E, their children Elaina and Finn (Westerville, OH), James Blackhurst and his wife Kitty and children Shaylea, Jack, and Brynlee, as well as step-children Dean and Laila (Belle, WV). Father-in-law Roger Simpson (Tunnelton, WV); Sister-in-law, Brandi Bucklew her husband David, and their children Corey and Hayden (Morgantown, WV). She is survived by a whole gaggle of Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and distant relatives who loved her so very much. Also, one dog, which she occasionally lovingly referred to as trouble. Sonya was predeceased by her father Bruce, as well as her grandparents on her father’s side, Jack and Alice Blackhurst. Sonya was born to Bruce and Leslie Blackhurst in Charleston WV on August 18th, 1977. From her father Bruce, she learned that objects you own are not symbols of status, but should serve a purpose. From her mother Leslie, she learned the care for others; sometimes at the expense of one's self. She reflected these lessons throughout her life, on occasion nearly to a fault. She grew up in Holley Lawn, WV, a small neighborhood nestled between Pizza Hut and the stables. From an early age, she was responsible for mediating the lives of two mischievous youth, her brothers James and Jason Blackhurst. Little did she know this would serve as a prescient glimpse into a future with a heart full from caring for others, including her loving sons. She thoroughly enjoyed playing softball as a youth. Coached by her father Bruce, the two shared a close bond. Softball also strengthened her ties with many teammates; creating lifelong friends able to resume the conversation where it was left sometimes years prior. Her care of others hit another peak at DuPont High School where she led her friends through group sessions seeking expert help. In this case in the form of her mother Leslie, a nurse and trusted confidant, who helped answer important life questions deemed unfit to pose elsewhere, a trend that continued in college. She attended Glenville State College, graduating in December of 1998, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. There she entered into the sisterhood of the Delta Zeta Sorority. Sonya married Darren Simpson in 2002 and they made their home in Mount Hope, WV; raising their two exemplary boys Brodie and Garrett. Family was of utmost importance to Sonya, and the time they spent together will allow those of us that knew her to see her live on in their humor and selflessness. Sonya, Darren, and the boys were members of the congregation of the United Methodist Temple. She worked for FMRS Health Systems, as a well respected Social Worker / Waiver Supervisor where she continued her care of others. Due to the pandemic, there will be no service or visitation open to the public. Stevens and Grass Funeral Home, Malden will host a live stream of the service through Facebook beginning at 1:00 PM on Friday afternoon, January 8th, 2021. Pastor Charles Bolen will be conducting the services. Sonya will come to rest at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, alongside her father Bruce. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is mandated by the Governor and the CDC that proper facial coverings be worn and that social distancing be observed. Temperatures will be taken upon entry to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations to fund Brodie and Garrett’s education would be a welcome gesture. Donations can be made to: Care of Brodie and Garrett Simpson United Bank 4261 Robert C Byrd Drive Beckley, WV 25801 A celebration of Sonya’s life will be held at a later date. Family was of utmost importance to Sonya, and friendship was a close second. While we can’t name and thank all of her friends, we owe a special thank you to Amanda, Berta, and Laura for having a recent outsized impact on her life. Thank you to family, friends, and co-workers who have helped us all through this difficult time. The online guest book can be accessed at www.stevensandgrass.com.
Services
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Private Family Funeral Service
Friday, January 8, 2021
Memories
Sonya Elaine Simpson
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDanielle Richmond
January 11, 2021
There aren’t words to express how deeply sorry I am to the family for your loss. Sonya was a dear and precious friend and the world has truly lost an angel on earth. She was the greatest boss you could ever have, but she was so much more than that, she was the most precious and devoted friend. Sonya was one of those people who I truly believe changed the world just by being present. She impacted each individual she interacted with so profoundly and they in turn have gone on to impact the lives of others. I will forever love and appreciate her for the things she taught me and the ways she helped me through the hardest times in my life. She took me in and made me part of a team and a family as a new social worker and shaped how I would view service to others for the rest of my career. Her light and love will be missed by so many.
Julie Meadows
January 9, 2021
I just wanted to say how sorry I am. We have been friends for several years and played softball together and went to school together. She was always a kind, compassionate person, always helping anyone she could. I will forever remember her smile. It will forever warm my heart. Sending lots of love and hugs.
Amber Tharp
January 8, 2021
This world has lost an absolute treasure. I was given the pleasure to work as an employee for Sonya; she not only provided guidance and support in her role as a supervisor, but also compassion and kindness that is unmatched. Such a patient and tenderhearted woman who offered open arms and a listening ear to anyone who needed them. I am so thankful for Sonya and the multiple times she offered me whatever it was that I needed in that moment. I am heartbroken over this tragedy. My heart, thoughts and prayers are extended to Sonya’s family and friends who loved her dearly. Rest peacefully, Sonya. You take up a lot of room in many hearts - and you are irreplaceable. We will miss you.
Erika Washington
January 8, 2021
To Sonya’s family,
I wish I had some comforting words but I’m at a loss. She was a wonderful, caring person and I know your hearts are hurting. I hope you can cherish the memories and find some hope in knowing she is now in an eternal home. I’m praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Vicki Griffith
January 8, 2021
Leslie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this day.
Lorraine Kaack
January 8, 2021
Darren, Brodie, Garrett, Leslie, Betty and Lou, Jason and James, and all grandchildren, family, cousins, friends, we send our condolences to you all. We first met Sonya at Jason and Elicia's wedding rehearsal party. She welcomed us warmly into Jason's family as Elicia's parents. On several other occasions we met with her in West Virginia at family events, and always, she was that person who always greeted and made a person feel welcome. She had a shining light surrounding her that will forever be part of her legacy.
With sadness, we sadly send our sympathies to her family.
Elicia's parents: Lorraine and Pete (Ingo) Kaack
David Ellis
January 8, 2021
Darren, to you and all your family, I extend my deepest sympathies and warmest regards on such a terrible loss. I am truly so very saddened by hearing of this tragedy to your family. I will keep you and family in my most heartfelt and personal daily prayers.
May your heart find peace. With my most sincere regards,
David Ellis
JJ Teron
January 7, 2021
There's a light that shines on all people/Sees them through/It waits and watches them move /Through their lives like people do/There's only so much we can be sure of/We can see/The rest belongs to time /And things that are meant to be/When the clouds surround you/And you know you've found your rainy day/Oh, the blues are bound to make you feel/Just like they're here to stay/All through your life/Anything that's meant to be will be/When tomorrow comes/Once again you'll see/That there's a light that shines on all people/Sees them through/It waits and watches them move/Through their lives like people do/When the clouds surround you/And you know you've found your rainy day/Oh, the blues are bound to make you feel/Just like there here to stay/Oh, you should know/There ain't much a broken heart can see/When tomorrow hides/The dream beyond this dream/Oh, there's a light that shines on all people/Sees them through/It waits and watches them move/Through their lives like people do/ "There's A Light" By Michael McDonald 1977/ Sonya will be your light, as She always has been, until you meet again!! And it will brighter than a thousand Sun's!! So sorry for your loss, it's not right!! She was and always will be remembered as a Beautiful Person by all who knew her and her Wonderful Loving Family! God Bless, Love, Peace and Happiness JJ Teron
Sherry Hopkins
January 7, 2021
I worked with Sonja multiple years ago. She was a compassionate and caring person. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Prayers for family and loved ones.
Tonya and Gene McNeely
January 7, 2021
Sonya was our middle daughter’s friend that spent many hours at our house. She became such a close friend but she was almost like a member of our own family. Her laughter brightened up our house and she joked and played around with our girls. We watched Sonya grow into such a beautiful, loving, and smart woman. She will be missed by us as well as many others. We pray that her family will receive peace and comfort from God.
Cindy Bail
January 7, 2021
Many prayers and thoughts for Darren, Brodie, Garrett, and all the family. Sonya was not just my supervisor but my dear friend. Over the years she showed me the importance of kindness and respect and large doses of love and laughter no matter how difficult a situation appeared. The reminders of her are in my office and home with little gifts and encouraging messages, but she will live on through the work she was dedicated to as I remember all she taught me and continue to serve our waiver families. She was an angel in my life and now she has her wings.
Laura Pinnick
January 7, 2021
Darren, Brodie, and Garrett,
You haven’t left my mind all week. Sonya was the most incredible, loving, and faithful lady, and she will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know her. She served so selflessly and ministered the love of Jesus to lots of kids. Her love for God shines most brightly through the amazing boys she raised to be such wonderful young men.
You guys will continually be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcy Thomas
January 7, 2021
Leslie and family,
I am so truly sorry for your loss, I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. May God bring you comfort during this time, if you need anything please reach out.
Marcy Thomas and Donna Casdorph
Leah Ann Guthrie
January 7, 2021
I have thought and thought about what to say or post. There are no words. Sonya was an amazing person. Beautiful inside and out. I have thought about all of the great memories I have of her over the past few days. I am heartbroken. I can’t even imagine what Darren, the boys, Leslie, Jason, James, and the rest of the family must be feeling. She was kind, gentle, and loving to all. She had a multitude of friends (pretty much anyone who ever met her). Please know that I am praying for comfort and peace for you all daily. I am so sorry doesn’t really feel like enough to say, but I am. I am sorry for the loss and the hole that will be left in the world by her passing. Just know I am sending love and prayers.
Vicky Boyd
January 6, 2021
Les, James, Jason, Darren, Garrett, and Brodie you are all in my thoughts and prayers! No words can provide a comfort to you on such a great loss, but I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that Sonya was beautiful, both inside and out!!
Please know that our love and support will be with you always!! 💔❤️🙏
Terri Biley
January 6, 2021
My family has many, many memories with the Simpson family since our boys were in many of the same activities. Everybody has acquaintances through their children, but every now and again you meet that special family you just hit it off with and have such a great time and feel privileged to call friends. Sonya was such a fun person who I am so blessed to have called my friend. I am going to miss her something terrible.
Sonya, Thanks for all those years of happy memories. Thanks for raising great boys -- we just had so much fun with the kids. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks for all the laughs--you had the best, contagious laugh. I will miss you.
Elizabeth Gray
January 6, 2021
So sorry about Sonya. She was a wonderful caring person and I enjoyed working with her for many years! I pray for you as her husband and the empty hole in your heart now and also pray for those two precious boys that they will keep all the loving memories close to their heart for their mother. Prayers for all the family and she is looking down from Heaven always!
Christi R Meador
January 6, 2021
She was such a sweet kind soul. I always enjoyed working church children's programs with her. Prayers for her beautiful family.
John Davis
January 6, 2021
Extremely sorry for your loss my friend. I pray God wraps his loving arms around you and your family during this difficult time and gives you peace and comfort.
Daniel Ball and Family
January 6, 2021
May our prayers bring you and your boys comfort during this difficult time.
Becky Hunter
January 6, 2021
Darren, I am so sorry for you loss. My heart breaks for you and your boys. May you find peace and comfort.
Destiny Thompson
January 6, 2021
If you didn't get a chance to know this beautiful, beautiful woman then you really missed out on someone great. Sonya was the most loyal and caring friend, she was one of the wisest people I have ever met and had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world, and she was the greatest supervisor that I ever had the chance of working for. She brought together a group of diverse women with not much in common and made us a family and we will remain that way for the rest of our lives. Sonya touched so many lives daily and was taken from us far too soon.
Jill Carver
January 6, 2021
Love and prayers from The Carvers.
Jennifer Paugh
January 5, 2021
Sonya was a truly kind person. Even when she was frustrated or stressed her kindness and warmth came through in her dealings with everyone. She was a good advocate for her clients and staff. She had the messiest office ever but seemed to seamlessly juggle a gazillion tasks at once. Her family and her spirituality were at the center of her life. If there is a life after this one I know she was greeted by many angels as we lost a lot of clients through the years that loved her dearly. I loved her dearly. Her patience extended to me as well and I know I unintentionally tested her patience at times. Sonya was an amazing mother and a phenomenal human being. I will honor her memory by being kind to others. Love to her sons, husband, and all of her other family. Love to the "Waiver girls" who are her extended family.
Wendy Richmond
January 5, 2021
Sonya was such a beautiful soul. She was always there for me when I needed her help at work. She went out of her way to see that something was done. I'm going to miss stopping by her office just to talk to her. Everytime I stopped by Blue Jay no matter what it was for I stopped by Sonyas office just to see how she was. We would always have a good laugh about something.
I'm going to miss you and our talks. Rest in Peace. I'm sure Carrie welcomed you with open arms. Thank you for everything and being a good friend.
Kelly (Buckner) Lange
January 5, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this news. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Joyce Rogers
January 5, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I have good memories of sonya being at my house .she was a wonderful friend to my daughter.
Ken & Roberta Samples
January 5, 2021
Darren, Brodie, Garrett, Les, Jason and James.. first we love you all so very much and are praying for peace and comfort for each of you. She was a beautiful soul full of goodness and light; an amazing mother, wife, daughter and friend. Our lives will forever be better for her being in them. There just arent words to say how much she will be missed.