Sonya Johnson

On July 29, 1960 in El Dorado, Arkansas, Sonya became the 4th child of 8 children born to Vernon and Albertine Meeks.  Sonya accepted Christ into her life as a little girl at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church where she attended regularly with her family.  Sonya, along with her 7 siblings, was very active in the church:  singing in the choir, attending Sunday school, participating in church plays and Vacation Bible School.

Sonya attended El Dorado High School (Class of 1978) and spent her early school years at Watson Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School, Barton Jr. High School, and El Dorado High School.  She achieved her GED from Job Corp.  Sonya played the violin in the 5thand 6th grades and was part of the Pep Cheering Squad in Jr. High and High School.  Sonya was also a very gifted artist.  She could draw as well as sketch practically anything.

In her adult years, Sonya worked for Country Pride, Oak Ridge Nursing Home, Sonic Drive In, Northwest Avenue Laundry Mat, volunteered for the Salvation Army, and created and sold gift baskets for special occasions.

Sonya became the proud mother of Alesha Michelle Blueford in 1985.  She later met and married the love of her life, Dennis Johnson Sr. in 1997.  This union produced a son, Dennis Johnson Jr. who they also cherished.

Some of her favorite things to do were playing bingo, working jigsaw puzzles, reading the newspaper, couponing, dancing, walking, being with friends & family, and taking care of her husband and children. Not only did Sonya have a large extended family, she also had lots of friends, new and old.  She was also a very generous soul.  If Sonya had it (Money, Food, Anything) and you needed it, no matter what, she gave it to YOU.  Not grudgingly at all. She was a very cheerful giver.

In 2003, 5 years after giving birth to her son, Dennis Jr., Sonya was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and eventually became wheelchair bound.  After overcoming the challenges that came with MS, Sonya continued her volunteer work with the Salvation Army for a short while, and always found a way to stay active participating in her favorite hobby of playing “Bingo”.

Less than a year ago in 2017, Sonya became ill. After numerous visits to the doctor and hospital, it was discovered just last month, in September 2018, that she was suffering from stomach cancer and was transported to Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.  Sonya spent several weeks at Baptist Hospital, making it through the difficult procedures of biopsies, medications, and major surgery.

On Monday, October 8, 2018, Sonya was transported back home to El Dorado, where she longed to be, to continue her treatment at Oak Ridge Nursing Home. Just a few short hours after getting settled in, she called for her loving husband, Dennis, who had never left her side, to hold her in his arms. This time she hugged him tighter and stronger than ever before, and during this ever so strong embrace, Sonya took her last breath in the arms of the man she loved.

Although she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts and minds of her Mother, Albertine Meeks of El Dorado, AR; her husband, Dennis Johnson Sr. of Eldorado, AR; her son, Dennis Johnson Jr of Eldorado, AR; her daughter, Alesha M. Blueford of Atlanta, GA; Stepdaughter, Sharon Welch of Strong, AR; Her grandson Braylon Williams of Atlanta, GA; 2 step grandsons Michael Welch of Strong, AR and Marquis Welch of Little Rock, AR; Her 3 brothers, Vernon A. Meeks Jr. (Vivian) of Alexandria, LA; Anthony J. Meeks (Arnitera) of El Dorado, AR; Marvin J. Meeks (Maggie) of Palm Bay, FL; Her 4 sisters, Joyce A. Meeks of Hampton VA; Janet M. Meeks of Hampton, VA; Roberta Michelle Meeks of Atlanta, GA; and Sherecia Meeks Banks of El Dorado, AR; A host of nieces and nephews, and a long list of cherished friends.

Public visitation will be from 1-5:00 pm Thursday, October 11, 2018 and the family hour from 7:00 -8:00 pm at Sims Mortuary. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Friday, October 12, 2018 at New Olive Branch Baptist Church. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Meeks, Vernon “Tig” Meeks, Varrell Johnson, Darius Ward, Teddy Meeks and Dedrick Meeks. Honorary pallbearers will be The EHS Class of 1978, Albert Meeks and Reggie Holly.