Sonia Veronica Lilly, affectionately known to her family as “Bird”, was born to Barbra M. Lilly and Eddie G. Whiteside on December 25, 1960. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, an angel came and escorted our dear beloved Sonia home to her eternal rest. Sonia was well known and respected throughout Rutherford County, always stopping to speak to those she knew and giving words of love and encouragement to all and a hug. She never met a stranger and was always ready to make a new friend.

For years, she participated in Special Olympics and always looked forward to her time spent with the different programs she participated in over the years. Sonia sang with the choir at Rutherford Life Services. Each summer since her youth, she attended Camp Tekoa. Sonia loved the Lord; and was a member of Russell Tabernacle where she participated and served faithfully.

She loved music, singing, and dancing. Her favorite thing to say was "God loves your heart ". “You Know My Name” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard was her favorite song. She continuously prayed for her family and friends. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, family member and most importantly, one of God’s angels who did his work during her time here on earth.

Sonia was preceded in death by her father, and brother, Michael Whiteside and her grandparents, George and Pecolia Lilly and two uncles, Perry and George S. Lilly.

Left to cherish her fondest memories are her son, Christopher “C-Man” Lilly of Shelby, NC, mother, Barbara Lilly of Spindale, NC, sisters, Tednette White of Charlotte, NC, Sandra Teish Bilal (Samad) of Raleigh, NC, and brother James Whiteside of Forest City, NC, uncles Richard M. Lilly of Spindale, NC, Don S. Lilly of Jacksonville, NC, Carlton Lilly of Burgaw, NC and her aunts Dr. Beverley Gray of Kernersville, NC, and Cynthia Lilly of Rutherfordton, NC, seven nieces and six nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

1:00 P.M.

Russell Tabernacle CME Church

326 Ledbetter Rd, Spindale, NC 28160