Obituary- Sonja Lee Parson

On October 12, 2022, God called his dear daughter, Sonja Lee Parson home. He tenderly said unto Parson, “Because he has set his love upon me, therefore, I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known my name and then he shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (91st  Psalm). 

On October 17, 1953, Sonja Parson was born to the late James H. Parson Sr. and the late Doris Watlington in Washington, District of Columbia at the Columbia Hospital for Women. She was the youngest of their four children, with two brothers and one sister–Lillian Rhumineer Parson.  Parson was preceded in death by her two brothers, James Henry Parson Jr and Robert Trenton Parson.  She is survived by her daughter Sonija T’aira Parson, son-in-law Bernardo Díaz Morales, two beloved grandsons Emilio James Parson Díaz and Nicolás Elijah Parson Díaz & nephews Adrian and Andre Parson.   

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Sonja attended Eastern High School where she set multiple records in track and field for long distance. Following her graduation from Eastern High School in 1971, Parson attended Howard University and earned her degree of Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Dean’s List, in 1976. She was the first in her family to graduate from an Historically Black College/University (HBCU).

Parson’s life in Washington was filled with a loving family, close friends and good times that included swimming, cycling, bowling, running, and raising her beloved daughter Sonija Parson as a dedicated single mother. Sonja Parson was also Miss July in 1988 as one of The Women of Washington. She was a model and pageant winner throughout the 1980’s and 90’s.   

Parson’s varied career included several years at C & P Telephone Company, Fairfax Connector as a driver, as well as twenty plus years with the United States Postal Service, where she was a proud union member. After her retirement from the USPS, she became a Certified Tax Professional, a career she enjoyed immensely. She was a lifelong learner, even taking classes from University of the District of Columbia while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Parson had four loves–God, family and friends, and her church family. She was quick to become deeply engaged in the church communities she was a part of. 

Parson’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched, through the color orange, memories of her bright smile and infectious laughter, and the quiet listening ear she gave to so many she loved and cared for. She will be missed deeply by her family and friends. 

 

 Celebration of Life Program:

Officiant for the Program: Bishop Patterson (alternate is Minister Goings)

Organ Music - George Drumwright

Opening Prayer

Hymn by Sister Peggy

 

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