Mrs. Sonya L. Allen Smith, 59, of Evans, GA formerly of Phenix City, AL passed Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Evans, GA.
Funeral service will be held 12noon EST, Friday, June 18, 2021 at Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, Dr. Isaac Hudson, pastor, officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. EST.
Sonya Letitia Allen Smith was born March 13, 1962 in Columbus, Georgia to Rev. John Thomas Allen, Sr. and Carrie Ezekiel Allen.
She attended elementary school at Mother Mary Mission in Phenix City, Alabama. In 1980 she graduated from Pacelli High School in Columbus, Georgia. She continued her education at Tuskegee Institute and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984.
At the age of twelve, Sonya accepted Christ and joined Nichols Chapel AME Church. She was a member of the Young People and Children’s Division (YPD) and sang in the Youth Choir. Sonya often reminisced about the beautiful experiences she had as a youth at Nichols. The YPD lock-ins, Vacation Bible School days, Sunday School picnics, and Christian Education Conferences were fond memories that she often shared with others. To Sonya, there was none greater than her beloved Nichols Chapel.
On December 28, 1985, married her childhood sweetheart, Rex Aundra Smith. As a military couple, Aundra and Sonya got the chance to travel and enjoy many places, making stops in Germany, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. Sonya never met a stranger, so she made many friends along the way. During their thirty-five years together, plenty of family memories were made during trips to the beach, the mountains and more.
Sonya was always known as a hard worker who strived to achieve her many goals. Sonya began working at an early age at Biff Burger in Phenix City, Alabama while in high school. After obtaining her degree she was employed as an Assistant Manager at K-Mart also in Phenix City. While being a devoted military wife she worked in Supply Administration, Accounting Analysis, and Reconciliation in Stuttgart, Germany. Sonya and Rex then relocated to Columbia, South Carolina Fort Jackson where she worked as a Purchasing Agent and Contract Specialist. She then became a Contract Manager for the Richland County Government. She devoted 19 years to John Deere where she retired as a Labor Relations Manager.
Sonya will be remembered as a kind, loving person who enjoyed blessing others. She was the life of the party who could always be counted on to bring laughter and fun. Sonya was also an excellent cook who enjoyed hosting parties for her family and friends. She believed her loved ones deserved the best, so every event was a major celebration that required the best food, the best china, and the best decorations. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were not complete until her homemade chocolate and homemade pound cakes made it to the table. Sonya is survived by her mother, Carrie Allen of Phenix City, Alabama; devoted husband, Rex Smith of Evans, Georgia; her two daughters Shayla and Alexis Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, John Allen Jr. (Denise) of Hoover, Alabama, and Jeffrey Allen (Marlene) of Stockbridge, Georgia; two sisters, Kimberly Singleton (Joseph) of Birmingham, Alabama and Cheryl Allen of Phenix City, Alabama; Three uncles, Robert Ezekiel Jr. (Velerie) of Columbus, GA; JB Allen (Chun Ye) of Columbus, GA; Robert Allen (Mary) of Phenix City, AL; Three Aunts Dorothy Bass (James) of Phenix City, AL; Mamie D Arnold of Columbus, GA; Martha Moore of Columbus, GA; mother in-law, Gertrude Smith of Ft. Mitchell, Alabama; sister in-law Geraldine Birch (Wayne) of College Park, Georgia; brother in-law Jimmy Lee Smith Jr. (Dalphine) of Ft. Mitchell, Alabama; Four nieces, Ke’Andrea Smith, Elizabeth Singleton, Jimina Smith, and Sarah Singleton; Five nephews, Wayne Birch Jr, Chantz Birch, Joseph Singleton III, Jeffrey Allen II, and Jordon Allen along with a host of cousins and friends.
The love she shared, and the precious memories made will never be forgotten. Her family and friends find comfort in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Smith family, keep trusting God. Kevin l. Adkins.
My condolences to Rex, Shayla and Alexis for losing such a wonderful woman. Sonya was a great friend at work. We sat next to each other for 5 years. Her laughter truly was infectious. I always enjoyed talking to her about family during those years. I could tell she was very proud of Shayla and Alexis from our many chats. I know she be missed. Oscar Baumert
Condolences to all the family and friends of Sonya. I wish you peace and comfort in the midst of your sorrow.
May she enjoy eternal rest with God. My condolences to all who loved her.
Please accept my warmest condolences, I'm sending thoughts of peace and courage your way. Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.
With Love, Rebecca Dupeire
The Brothers of Nu Pi Lambda Graduate Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Arlington, TX, express sincere condolences to the family of of Sonya Allen Smith. May she rest in peace. In addition we acknowledge the binding bond of friendship between the Smith Family and Janice and Brother Kenneth Avery of Maryland.
Condolences to the Smith family. Sonya was such a bright light and I was blessed to work with her for many years. We always had a special bond and will forever miss her. Rest in a peace Sunshine ☀️ Susan Laywell
Condolences to the Smith family. Sonya was such a bright light and I was blessed to work with her for many years. We always had a special bond and will forever miss her. Rest in a peace Sunshine ☀️
My deepest condolences to the Smith and Allen Families. Sonya and I grew up together. She was the little sister that I never had. Our time together goes back to our days at Mother Mary Mission School to our time at Tuskegee. What wonderful times we shared filled with dreams of the future, laughter and love. Sonya dreamed of being a great wife and mother while conquering the business world. She accomplished both. Her greatest joy was her family!
I hope you find comfort and joy in knowing and hearing of the many ways Sonya blessed others. Her impact and legacy lives on in you and so many more. Sonja was special and will be missed by many!! May God's loving arms surround and keep you!
Love,
Angela Arnold Robinson
To the Smith Family, Words cannot express the sorrow in our hearts over Sonya's passing. Sonya could light up a room and make everyone in that room feel like family. Sonya was an extraordinary woman and the world will miss her presence terribly. May the exceptional legacy of Sonya help sustain the family during the difficult times and please know that our sympathy and thoughts are with you.
Again we send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are here if you need someone to listen to or just a shoulder.
With heartfelt sympathy, Ernest,Jessica and Amber Shaw
My condolences to the Smith's and Allen's families. Sonya and I were classmates and great friends from elementary school thru Pacelli High School. May God cover you all with his comforting hands during this time of grieving. Rest in Peace Sonya. Love Dennis Edmonds and Family, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Condolences to the Smith Family. We first encountered Sonya as a member of the "cousins" group at Tuskegee. She was a bright and shining star even back then. She also worked within the Tuskegee Business School in SAM and other organizations. She was a delight and hard worker. She will be missed. Leslie Cobb and Bessie Clay-Cobb of Houston Texas. Skegee class of 1984
To the Smith family, we offer our deepest condolences during this time of sorry. Sonya was truly a great friend and co-worker with such a beautiful personality. She will be dearly missed. We pray that God will continue to comfort you all with the loving memories and great times you all shared. Love Charles and Melissa Moye
Sonya always was a great colleague to work with. Always positive and upbeat. My coldelences to her family and friends. Ralph Quinn
Sonya had a beautiful spirit, her smile brought comfort to many at JDCP 5000 Bldg. She will be truly missed. My prayers go out for her family and her friends. Rest on
All the wonderful words spoken about Sonya are absolutely true. As a classmate from MMM to PHS I know her to be a great friend in the purest sense. Rex, my heart goes out to you, your daughters, and the rest of your family. May the peace and mercy of God go with you always, and may He strengthen you during this most difficult season. Alphonso Johnson Jr., AKA. Butch Johnson and Family.
My deepest sympathies to the Smith family. Sonya was a dear friend and she will be missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her. This world was definitely a better place with her in it. Richard Kershner
I was so sorry to hear the news. Miss Sonya is what I called her and she always had a smile on her face and always brought a smile to whomever she touched. The world had lost a blessed spirit. But heaven has gained a true angel.
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Smith family. Sonya was special in many ways. Thanks for beginning a great neighbor and friend in our life. May your spirit continue to move in your family. You will always be a blessing to many. God bless. Greg and Sonia McMichael
Sonya was a woman with a big heart. It had to be to hold all the ones she loved...& all those who loved her. Aundra, Shayla & Alexis praying God's comfort and Isaiah 33:2. She will be missed. Much Love Janelle and Ron Smalls & Family
I have known Sonya since first grade at Mother Mary Mission school all the way through graduation at Pacelli High. A beautiful person inside and out. Her passing breaks my heart. May God grant the family peace and comfort during this time. Gillion Parham - Wisconsin
Aundra and the girls: I compared Sonya to a bright blue sky on a sunny day! You are blessed to have had her as a wife and mother. I first met her at age thirteen when she visited her Aunt Bobbie Jean in Ft. Stewart, Ga. She had an internal and external beauty then that was maintained throughout her lifetime. Her personality was infectious and her beauty was non-comparable. My memories of her will be cherished. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Love, Lila McHenry, Columbia, SC
Sonya Smith you will be truly missed. I cherish our friend/family ship. You are a beautiful person, wonderful wife and mother. We had a lot of laughs over the last 20 years. Sonya, Dra, Shayla and Alexis you hold a special place in my heart. I am sending love and prayers from Annette & Kevin Carree and Brianna Bass. Rest In Peace Queen Sonya.
I am so sad to hear of Sonya's passing. We worked together for years. Sonya always made work more fun. She was thoughtful, caring and most of all, funny. She always brightened my day. My prayers go out to her husband and girls, whom she always fondly talked about with me. Susan Hall
This one hurt. She was a wonderful HR lead. And an even better person. She made me a better person as she always wanted to steer me in the right direction and made a point to do that because she saw something in me. I will be always be forever grateful for her. My heart goes out to her husband and daughters during this difficult time. Gonna miss you dearly Sonya.
To the Smith family. I want to personally give my condolences. Sonya was a true friend to me from the day that I met her. She will always be in my heart. I pray that you all stay strong during this difficult time. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your love ones. Shawn and Virginia Patterson.
My heart goes out to the Smith family and I am praying for you. My day was always made better when I got to work with Sonya. - Mary Pat Tubb
I am very saddened by her passing. I'm going to miss her dearly. My deepest sympathies to the family. May God wrap his loving arms around you and cover ya'll with his love. Regina Williams.
Sonya was a co-worker a friend and a sister to me. She will be missed.Praying for all.the family.Wayne (Rock)
Praying for comfort and peace to the Smith and Allen families. It was always a joy to see Sonya's warm smile. Norma Amadeo-Hood & family
Andre, Shayla and Alexus, I am deepened sadden by the news of your mother, Sonya Smith, passing. My prayers and thoughts are with each of you at this difficult time. I remember Sonya as it was just yesterday from our time working together at Fort Jackson.
Meta R. James Columbia, SC
I am so hurt by her passing. We were all at Mother Mary Mission together. Andre and family, I pray for your strength. Devorie James Bell
Sonya has been my best friend in the whole world since 4th grade. I can't began to fathom life without her from this point on, but I'm trusting God for his plans are best. My sincere condolences to Aundra, Shayla, and Alexis and to the Allen family. May we all find strength in knowing she's now present with the Lord. Rest well my Sister and dearest friend. Love Janis Lyles-Davison and family Montgomery, Alabama
Sonya will be dearly missed. Her laughter was contagious and could be heard through the office when she was giving Georgia Bulldog fans grief. She was a tremendous help with Employee Resource Groups at John Deere and I will miss her willingness to lend a helping hand. We will be praying for her family during these difficult times.
Jessica, Brad, Miles and Austin Hohneke
Extending condolences to the Smith Family. Sonya and I attended and graduated from Tuskegee University together. We shared some of the same classes. She was an amazing young lady with such a beautiful personality and radiant smile. Keeping the family in prayer....Vickie and Michael Jolly
To the Smith Family, We the Cartledge family(Cassandra @ Kim) would like to offer our deepest regret for the loss of a great friend and co-worker, we will be praying your strength and health during this time of sorrow.
To Andre and the rest of Sonya's family, we are praying for you all during this difficult time. Sonya and I were at Pacelli High School together and I remember her being such a sweet person with a beautiful personality.
Respectfully
Reginald, Deneen Thornton-Hill and D'Andre Hill, Phenix City, AL.
Sonya had a beautiful smile, infectious laugh and a sweet personality. She as a very dear friend and Jay and I will always cherish our times together. We are praying for all of you. God bless you and your family. Love, Jay, Audrey, Hakeem, Shaun, and Jayson
Prayers for the family from Darla Spencer
May you find joy and comfort in your memory of Sonya, especially her smile and laugh. Our prayers are with you. With Love, Adrienne(Cece) and George Watson
Sonya's bright light is shining through you all. She was a best friend to many of us. We are praying for all of you.
Love, Kenny, Janice, Reginald, Jeffrey, and Amber Avery
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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