Sonya Gayle Lawrence

In Loving Memory of Sonya Gayle Lawrence (“Mimi”) February 14, 1950 – July 19, 2025

On July 19, 2025, our family lost its heart, its light, and one of the fiercest sources of unconditional love we’ve ever known. Sonya Gayle Lawrence—our beloved wife, mother, Mimi, and friend—passed away surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy stitched with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Born on Valentine’s Day in 1950, Sonya’s life was a true reflection of the love she gave so freely. Raised in Texas, her story took a beautiful turn when her family moved to Arkansas—where fate led her to meet her high school sweetheart, Jerry Lee Lawrence. The two were married on January 2, 1968. Shortly after welcoming their daughter Shelley, Jerry was deployed to Vietnam. Sonya held down the home front with courage and grace until his safe return in 1970, and two years later, their son Kenny arrived to complete their circle of four.

Together, Sonya and Jerry built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work on their Arkansas farm—raising chickens and cattle, and children and grandbabies—with equal care. Sonya’s passions were many: she was a talented majorette and shared her love of twirling and dancing with local students in the 1970s. She was also an avid bowler, playing in leagues for years and eventually becoming co-owner of the Siloam bowling alley with Jerry in the early ’90s. Whether on the lanes or in the dance studio, Sonya brought her signature joy, determination, and warmth to everything she did.

But if you knew Mimi, you knew: her greatest joy was her family. Becoming “Mimi” lit a new fire in her heart. She adored her grandchildren—Lauryn, Gunnar, Chandler, and Trenton—and poured her heart into each of them. When her great-grandbabies arrived—Jace, Carter, Lucas, and Mavilyn—Mimi’s love only grew deeper and brighter.

Sonya’s home was a haven. Her arms were always open. Her heart never tired of giving. And while our hearts are heavy now, we find comfort knowing that the love she gave lives on—in every shared recipe, every holiday tradition, and every time we love like she did.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Jerry Lawrence; her children Shelley (Chad) Harbison and Kenny (Candi) Lawrence; her grandchildren Lauryn (Kevin) Sbanotto, Gunnar (Brianna) Harbison, Chandler Lawrence, and Trenton Lawrence; and her great-grandchildren Jace, Carter, Lucas, and Mavilyn. She was preceded in death by many beloved family members who no doubt welcomed her into Heaven with open arms.

We will celebrate Mimi’s life with the joy, warmth, and sparkle she brought into ours. Her love will never be forgotten—it will be carried forward, generation after generation. A celebration of her life will be held later this fall, where we’ll gather to honor her legacy and the immeasurable love she gave so freely.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR.