Sonya Y. Harris

We gather here today to honor and celebrate the life of Sonya Yvette Harris—a woman of warmth, creativity, and unwavering love. Born on April 3, 1964, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Sonya graced this world with her light for 60 beautiful years before receiving her wings on March 5, 2025.

Sonya was a beloved daughter of Olie and Geneva Pope, sister, mother, aunt and friend. She grew up in Abingdon, Maryland, and was a proud graduate of Edgewood High School’s Class of 1982. During her school years, she was a spirited athlete, playing field hockey and softball, and a vibrant cheerleader who uplifted those around her—something she continued to do throughout her life.

Her love for bringing people together extended into her career. As the owner of Sondor’s Event Catering with her sister, Doreene Watters, she created unforgettable gatherings filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. Sonya’s keen eye for detail and passion for business also shone through her work in the finance industry as a bookkeeper. In 2018, she relocated to Miami, FL, where she continued her career as a credit analyst for National Distribution & Contracting.

Despite her professional success, Sonya’s greatest priority was always family. She later returned to her hometown to support her sisters as a devoted caregiver for their mother while continuing her work with NDC. She remained dedicated to both her career and her family until her passing, embodying the love, strength, and selflessness that defined her life.

Beyond her professional life, Sonya embraced every moment with joy and enthusiasm. She had a deep love for the beach—where the sun, sand, and waves became her sanctuary. Whether she was enjoying crabs with family, planning the perfect vacation, or curating an event with her signature touch, Sonya’s creativity knew no bounds. She had an eye for beauty, a heart for celebration, and a soul that found joy in life’s little pleasures—from fashion and floral arrangements to scrolling through TikTok for inspiration.

Sonya had a generous heart and was always looking for ways to give back. In 2000, she started an annual initiative to support the homeless in Baltimore City, assembling toiletry care packages for those in need. What began as a simple act of kindness grew into a heartfelt tradition, reflecting Sonya’s deep commitment to helping others and bringing her family together for a greater purpose.

But above all, Sonya’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Robert A. Harris, Jr., and Nicole E. Harris. She was preceded in death by her parents Olie and Geneva Pope, and sisters, Geneva R. Sconion, and Wanda L. Waldon. She was a cherished sibling to Genevieve E. Massey, Olie (Dimitria) Pope, Jr., Tessa B. (Dennis) Dorsey, Annette Taylor (Antonet Penate), Doreene B. (George) Watters, Phyllis P. Pope, and Richard (Patricia) Attucks. Her love extended to a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts, all of whom she adored.

Sonya’s presence was a gift to us all—her laughter, her beautiful smile, her kindness, her unwavering strength. Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived. She was a woman who embraced love, family, and faith, and her legacy will continue to shine in the lives she touched.

Rest peacefully, Sonya. You are loved beyond measure, and your spirit will forever be with us.