Sonia Grant

We all received a gift on July 18th, 1946 when Sonia Marcela Burke came into the world. Born in Ancon, Panama to Jerald Sinclaire Burke and Gladys Maloney Burke. Sonia and her seven siblings were raised in the Canal Zone of Panama. Sonia married while living in Panama and immigrated with her husband to the United States in search of more opportunities and a better life. She made Brooklyn, New York her new home (BK Stand Up) and was blessed with two daughters, Deborah and Michelle. In the 80’s version of swipe right, Sonia eventually remarried and moved to Long Island, NY. Through her second marriage she instantly gained two children, Miyoshi and Alonso, who she loved as her own, and birthed the apple of her eye, Olson Jr. True to her caring nature, Sonia worked as a social worker in Brookdale Hospital for many years. She eventually moved on to work for Eigen Supply company. Then in 1976 she made her final career move and joined Bell Atlantic, which later became Verizon, as a telephone operator. Sonia joyfully retired in 2002 after 26 years and countless overtime shifts rejoicing in the results of all the hard work she put in over a long career. Sonia’s warmth was inviting, and she always made you feel welcome. Her home was your home. While life has no guarantees, you were guaranteed never to leave her home with an empty stomach. She enjoyed feeding you and was a magician in the kitchen; cooking, baking, you name it and she could do it. Her signature cheesecakes have been enjoyed by her family and friends for many years. In 2006 she turned the page and started another chapter in her life by relocating to Lawrenceville GA. As the glue and strength of the family many of her loved ones eventually decided to follow her to Georgia (the cheesecake doesn’t ship well!). Sonia gave so much of herself to her family and friends and asked for so little in return. She had a smile that would light up a room and a stare that would stop you in your tracks. Sonia is very well loved for simply being the phenomenal woman she is, always willing to speak her mind and not hold back punches. Whether with a gentle hand or tough love, she instilled wisdom and knowledge in the many lives she encountered. She lived her life unapologetically and is the epitome of a strong, intelligent, loving and beautiful woman, inside and out. After a long and arduous fight with covid Sonia was called home on September 9th, 2021. Sonia was an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She leaves behind her five children Debbie, Michelle, Olson Jr, Miyoshi and Alonso; nine grandchildren Ebony, Jahnée, Brandon, Sonia Nakeeya, Karl II, Tiana, Alexandria, Grace and Justin. Her great-granddaughter, who was her Sunshine, Taylor Rose. Her son in love Maurice. Her extraordinary ability to love enabled her to touch so many, including an accumulation of loved ones she proudly referred to as her grandchildren: Je'Tiya Daquita, Cristina, Antonio, Aniguis, Malik, Jasmine and Jaylan, daughter in love Maria (Marita) and son in love Joseph, Jr., (Tony). She is survived by her one and only sister Vilma. Her brothers Enrique, Roberto, Fernandez and Alejandro. Her sisters in love Ancilla, Patricia, Margarita and Sabrina. Her brother in love John. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Greeting her at heaven's gates are her parents Jerald and Gladys, and brothers Gerald and Antonio Sonia will be missed immensely, but she will forever and always be loved. Forever in our hearts, her name and spirit will live on for many generations to come. Celebration of Life Services for Sonia Grant will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11:00AM. These services will be recorded and streamed live. In the event the service is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire service will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the service. https://vimeo.com/610978533

Tributes

Sonia Grant

July 18, 1946 - September 9, 2021