Ms. Sonya Smith

Sonya Nicola Smith was born September 2, 1967, in Detroit, MI to Marie Smith and James Alvin Pierce.  She was the oldest of three siblings.  Sonya graduated from Cooley High School located in Detroit, MI. 

Sonya, also known as Boo Boo, confessed her faith in Christ and attended Great Faith Ministries in Detroit, MI.  After moving to South Carolina she attended Redemption World Outreach. She would also watch Sunday service with her family when they couldn’t attend as part of their family time.

Having a disability did not disable Sonya.  She was a caring person and loved to go when asked “you want to go to” she would always say “yes”.  One of her favorite places was the Casino.  Sonya was one that would cash out at 40 or 50 dollars and end up with 10 tickets with a value of 40 or 50 dollars each.  Winner, winner every time.  Her favorite hobbies were reading her Bible, coloring, listening to her favorites Kirk Franklin, Michael Jackson, Prince, New Edition and Boyz II Men.

Sonya was one that had little mommy tendencies. She loved kids and they were always drawn to her. Her little sister, Marissa looked to her as a second mom. From teaching her how to cook hamburgers and french fries (not frozen) to learning how to ride a bike. Sonya enjoyed visits from her nieces and nephew.  She also gained respect as the second oldest of the first cousins. 

After a series of health issues, Sonya became disabled which affected her independence.  Having her mother and sister there to assist with her needs helped her to keep that sense of independence. They called themselves the “three amigas” because when you saw one you saw them all.  

God said to Sonya it’s time for me to take over caring for you because you have endured enough.  Sonya agreed with one condition.  She wanted to be able to spend one last gathering with her sisters.  So, on Monday, December 9, 2019, God saw the road was getting rougher and the hills were harder for Sonya to climb so God closed Sonya’s weary eyelids and whispered; now it’s time for you to come with me.

Sonya leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Marie Franklin; two sisters, Natasha Smith Pettis (Eric) and Marissa Franklin; one nephew, Eric Stephen Pettis, Jr.; two nieces, Leah Symone Pettis and Kendall Sienna Pettis; one uncle Sunny Smith (Bobbie); two aunts, Linda Rondeau (Leo) and Cynthia Smith; and a host of cousins, friends and her beloved two pooches, Prince and Sassy.

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