Sonia E. Williams

Dr. Sonia Hazel Williams, a beloved mother, grandmother, and pillar of the Jacksonville community, passed away on April 14,2024. Born on July 14, 1936, to Goldie Harper Hazel and James London, Sonia and her many cousins were raised by her loving grandparents, Susan Corine Thorpe Harper and Reverend Frank Harper and attended Simpson United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.

After moving with her parents and completing her primary education in the Fulton County school system of Atlanta, Georgia, Sonia returned to Jacksonville, where she graduated from Matthew W. Gilbert High School in 1955 where Dr. Eugene J. Butler was principal. She earned a degree in Business Administration through the Florida collegiate system and later received a Doctoral degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 2003.

Sonia devoted over 36 years to Riverside Clinic, retiring in 2000 as the Director of Medical Records. Her strong faith, instilled by her grandparents, was a guiding force throughout her life. As a devoted member of the Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years, Sonia held numerous leadership roles, including serving in the choir and as a dedicated Sunday School teacher. She pioneered both the Tape Ministry and the Prison Ministry in the late 1980s under Pastor Tom E. Diamond.

A passionate advocate for education, Sonia served as President of the Women's Association and later as Dean of Christian Education for the Union Progressive Baptist Association auxiliary to the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. Ordained under Bishop Tom E. Diamond in 2003, she became an active member of the Abyssinia Pastoral staff until her health declined.

Sonia and her husband, Leonard Carl Williams, Sr., were married for over 60 years and raised six children together: Reginald Emerson King, Anthony Erwin Williams (Exylena), William Donovan Williams (Billy), Leonard Carl Williams, Jr, Carla-Lolita Williams, and Forrellina Robin Williams. Preceded in death by her husband and youngest son, Leonard Jr., Sonia is survived by her five children, over 32 grandchildren, including Denecia Janae Andrews-Powley, who became her primary caregiver during her illness, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving friends. The family also acknowledges the support and friendship of Ms. Erma Cummings, who became a constant companion and assisted caregiver for Sonia.

For over 50 years, Sonia and Leonard were the last remaining 'original' family in their Lackawanna neighborhood home, where Sonia became a mother figure to the entire community. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

**In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in memory of Minister Sonia Williams using the following link: https://apps.alzfdn.org/memorialfundraising?PFR=165

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