Sonya Stennis, born Sonya Lavette Carman on June 4, 1970, in Memphis, TN, was the daughter of Barbara Jean Carman and Wilburn Lee Pickens.

She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and was a member of New Life Memphis, guided by Bishop Kevin Willis and Pastor Linda Willis.

Sonya graduated from Central High School in the class of '88 and earned a degree in Tax Accounting from Southwest Community College in 2023.

Renowned for her delicious caramel cake, she had a true passion for cooking. If you couldn’t stand the heat, you had to get out of her kitchen!

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Jean Carman, and her son, Dontae Keon Stennis.

Sonya is survived by her husband, Charles Stennis Sr., and her three children: Deon Edwards, Antwun Stennis, and Charles Stennis Jr. She also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: Xya Cook, Ta’Kyah Valentine, and Tylen Jones. In addition, she is remembered fondly by her four brothers: Terry (Rosalind) Smith Sr., Tony Smith, Jerry Smith, and Stephen Pickens, along with her two sisters: Tamara Freeman and Justina Pickens.

She is further survived by special cousins, Armenta Carman, Eldridge (Stacey) Davis, and Patrece Pruitt, aunt, Minister Ethel Carman, and uncle, Luke Moore. Also remembering her are her mother-in-law, Dorothy (Eugene) Thompson, sister-in-law, LaShay Stennis, bonus brother, Carlos Thompson, two brothers-in-law, and a multitude of additional family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.