Sonya Goodman Young, 52 of Chesapeake, Virginia, was granted her angel wings on July 3, 2019. She courageously battled cancer for ten years. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Sonya had touched throughout her memorable life. She was born on May 22 ,1967 in Norfolk, Virginia. Sonya graduated from Deep Creek High School in 1985. After high school Sonya attended Norfolk State University and Virginia State University prior to joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Sonya served in the Marine Corps for nine years. While serving in the Marine Corps, Sonya enrolled in Saint Leo College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. After completing her service in the Marine Corps, Sonya accepted a position as an Executive Director at Norfolk Marine Institute where she worked for five years. Later Sonya worked for the Department of Social Services in the city of Portsmouth, Virginia for 15 years in Child and Adult Protective Services. Sonya was a driven professional, she remained dedicated to her work and in her will to fight her illness after being diagnosed with cancer in 2009. She was an advocate for Women’s Health and Breast Cancer. Sonya remained positive, brave, and strong willed even through her final months.
Sonya is survived by her husband, Ralph and her daughter Maya of Chesapeake, VA and her son Joshua (Adarn) of Fredericksburg, VA. She also leaves her parents William and Deborah Goodman; her sister Alicia Jones (Terrence), and her brother William “Butch” Goodman, IV. Sonya is also survived by three loving grandchildren Ja’Don, Amonnie, and Azaria. She also leaves her mother-in-law Jean Young and the following brother and sister in-laws respectively, Donald Riddick, Willie Young, Labeeb Salaam (Velma), Curtis Young, Clarence Young (Crystal), Phyllis Young, and Belinda Hampton. Sonya also leaves several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of loving friends. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Metropolitan Funeral Service, Norfolk, VA. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 10th at 1:00 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. Burial will follow at Albert G. Horton Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to a scholarship fund for Maya Young at Wells Fargo Bank, 900 Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23707.
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Cynthia M Madkins says
July 6, 2019 at 10:03 amI worked with Sonya 12 of her 15 years at Portsmouth Social Services, and she was an awesome coworker, supervisor, and mother to Maya. She was an inspiration to many and always had a kind and compassionate spirit when dealing with people. She will be sorely missed. Rest In Heaven, Sonya!
Richelle Dunbar Irons says
July 6, 2019 at 4:57 pmI went to elementary, jr high and high school with Sonya. She was beautiful, confident and strong. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh that made you “laugh”. I was sadden to hear of her death. We were both born in May in the same year. She was a week older than me. We were both Gemini’s. As we got older I found out we were still connected. My cousins also attended the same dance company and she married into the Blount family to which I am also related. I pray for her family as i know the void she leaves is irreplaceable. RIH.
Antoinette Franklin says
July 7, 2019 at 10:51 pmThank you so much for what you did portsmouth drug treatment program. You were an inspiration to all. Thank the family for letting us have her. Be blessed.
Norma Owens Gaskins says
July 8, 2019 at 10:05 amSonya was always so kind to my son Donell. He worked with her at Portsmouth Social services. My family gives our deepest condolences to the Goodman and Young families. Her legacy will continue to be so bright.
Rachel D Hunter says
July 9, 2019 at 5:23 pmSonya was such a beautiful person. ??? My prayers are with the family and her friends.
Kerry R. Williams says
July 9, 2019 at 8:36 pmMy condolences to the Young and Goodman families. I’ve been a neighbor of the Goodman’s for 28years . I’m saddened I won’t be able to attend the service, but I’m happy to make a donation to the scholarship fund. God Bless. The Mailman!
Bianca Gregory says
July 10, 2019 at 8:48 amOur deepest condolences to the Young and Goodman families. We will continue to honor your life and will keep your legacy of love, light, and joy alive forever. Mrs. Sonya thank you for ALL you meant to so many people. Thank you for shining even in the midst of your battle. Your zest for life, laughter, and love for your family and framily (friends that become family)–life changing. You touched so many lives and left a lasting impact. Rest in Paradise!
Conna Smiley says
July 11, 2019 at 7:44 amOur deepest condolences to Maya and the family. I’m sadden by the lost of Sonya, because she was a loving mother, and women. Sonya, had a smile that could brighten up anyone’s day. Love you Maya