Sonya R. Lawrence

On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, the almighty decided to remove from our midst, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, fiancé, friend and neighbor, Sonya R. Mills Lawrence.

Sonya was the biological daughter of the late Lois A. Mills of Portsmouth, VA and Floyd Lawrence. Sonya was raised by the late Evelyn G. Williams (Auntie) of Portsmouth, VA. She entered the world in Paterson, NJ on February 23, 1968. In her formative years, she was an active member of New First Baptist Church Taylorsville.

Sonya was a product of Portsmouth Public Schools, she attended Churchland High School. She went on to receive a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification at Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP). She also worked for Wal-Mart for 12 ½ years as her last place of employment.

Sonya had extreme compassion for children and the elderly. She had an outgoing personality and was spiritually open minded. Her grandchildren, who she referred to as her “grand apples”, were the apple of her eye.

Sonya was predeceased by her youngest daughter, Quanita D. Mills, in addition to uncles and cousins.

She leaves to mourn her children, Quanesha N. Mills and Quantez N. Mills, both of Portsmouth, VA; grandchildren, Temire and TeLiyah Mills, Eden Mills, Quran Mills Britt; and bonus grandchildren, Owen and Ava Thompson of Northern, VA; sisters, Jessica and Esther Mills both of Portsmouth, VA; nephew, Brandon Mills of Portsmouth, VA; Fiancé, Barren Porter of Suffolk, VA; aunts, Mae Breckenridge Haywood and Alveria G. Griffin, both of Portsmouth, VA; uncles, Darnell Griffin of Portsmouth, VA  and Leslie Griffin of Fayetteville, NC, William “Bill” Haywood and aunt, Deloris R. Haywood of Portsmouth, VA. Also, her sister she found later in life, Debbie Bracy of Portsmouth, VA and a host of additional siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends and neighbors.

The family is exceedingly grateful for this time that we were granted to share with Sonya on her earthly journey and we will treasure our fond and special memories of her forever.