Sonya Lavon Harriest

With the arrival of a New Year, on January 17, 1966, the Harriest household welcomed a precious addition, Sonya Lavon, lovingly embraced by her parents William and Shelby Harriest. From the outset, Sonya's journey was marked by a radiant spirit that captivated all who crossed her path. Early in her life, Sonya found solace and belonging in the embrace of faith, accepting Christ's love at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. There, she lent her voice to the choir and gracefully served as a youth matron, embodying the essence of devotion and service. Sonya's culinary prowess was a reflection of her mother's legacy, with her chicken spaghetti, potato salad, and dressing becoming cherished staples among family and friends. But it wasn't just her cooking that left an impression; Sonya's presence was magnetic, her charisma lighting up any room she entered, and her voice preceding her presence wherever she went.  As she ventured into adulthood, Sonya explored various passions, from modeling with Barbizon Models to immersing herself in the art of cosmetology. Her thirst for knowledge led her to achieve both her Bachelors and MBA degrees from the University of Phoenix, a testament to her determination and intellect.

Yet, amidst life's triumphs, Sonya faced a formidable foe in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Though she fought valiantly, the cancer returned with a vengeance in 2022, metastasizing to her brain. Undeterred, Sonya confronted each day with courage, her spirit unyielding even in the face of adversity. On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, surrounded by love and warmth at Houston Methodist Hospital, Sonya embarked on her final journey, her courageous battle coming to a peaceful end. In the embrace of eternity, Sonya reunites with loved ones who preceded her, including her parents, William and Shelby Harriest, her grandmother Hattie Dancer Mack, her grandfather Arthur Randon Sr., her granddaughter Cheyenne Grace Haynes, and her sister Deborah Jean Hills.

Yet, Sonya's legacy of love and resilience lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She is fondly remembered by her daughters Elontria Mata (Ricardo), Ciera Haynes (Dustin), and Ma’Cole Lee (Kelse), her sister Vickie Williams, her brothers Franklin Brown, Vincent James, Shionton Cross, and LaQuentin Williams, and her beloved grandchildren Jayce, Jayden, and Jazlynn Mata, as well as Savannah and Jeremiah Haynes. In the tapestry of her life, Sonya is also woven into the hearts and lives of her Godparents Melvin(Jr) and Elizabeth Hall, Aunt Wanda Cross, her special friend DaWarren Bellard, her special nieces Danyale Edwards and Veronica Hall, and a multitude of other cherished relatives and friends. Though she may have departed from this world, Sonya's spirit remains a guiding light, forever cherished and dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

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