Sonja Hargrove

Obituary For Sonja Hargrove

Bernard's Family Funeral Care, The Eatonton Chapel, announces the passing of Ms. Sonja Hargrove. Ms. Hargrove passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025, in Eatonton, Georgia.

Daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, church member, and community volunteer — Sonja Valentine Buckner Hargrove lived a life rich in love, service, and purpose during her 89 years on this earth. She was born on February 14, 1938, to William “Bill” Buckner and Mabel Culp Buckner in Eatonton, Georgia.

Sonja attended Butler Baker School, where she met and married Louis Carlton Hargrove, an Air Force Staff Sergeant. Together, they traveled the country as a military family and welcomed two children, Faye and Carlton. Though they eventually parted ways, the family they built and the adventures they shared remained among her proudest blessings.

A devoted servant of God, Sonja was an active and faithful member of St. John A.M.E. Church, where she served in the Women’s Missionary Society and on the Trustee Board. She was also a dedicated member of the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post 583.

Known for her generous spirit and outgoing nature, Sonja never met a stranger. Even long after her family hoped she would retire her keys, she was still proudly driving neighbors and friends to Walmart, Ingles, church events, and food distribution sites — always caring for others and staying involved in the community she loved.

Sonja’s true sanctuary was the kitchen. Whether preparing meals for church functions at St. John, serving on the dietary team at Putnam General Hospital, providing weekly meals for Bible study at First Methodist Church, or baking cakes and pies for family and friends, she nourished her community with love — one plate and one slice at a time.

A fiercely independent trailblazer, Sonja made her mark in many arenas. At the Enterprise Aluminum Company, she was the tall and beautiful security guard standing in the middle of the street directing traffic and ensuring the safety of workers. Later, she spent many proud years at Eatonton Water Works, testing and treating the city’s water supply. She took great delight in observing the water levels in the town’s tanks — a skill and responsibility she never stopped carrying with pride.

Sonja also had a tender heart for animals. She lovingly bottle-fed calves she raised, offered refuge to a turkey and several goats, and was rarely seen without her beloved canine companions, first “Buddy” and later “Sandy.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mabel Buckner, and her brother, Marvin Buckner (Marie).

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Dr. Faye Hargrove (Dr. Clarence Williams, Jr.), and son, Carlton Hargrove; her grandchildren, Chenille Hargrove Williams and Cameron Hargrove Williams (Arielle); her great-grandson, Makai Xavier Williams; and a host of loving cousins and dear friends.

Sonja Hargrove lived well, she loved well, and she served well. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She will be deeply missed, yet we rejoice knowing she rests in peace with the Lord.

The viewing will be held on Friday from 3:00 -6:00 p.m. The family of Ms. Sonja Hargrove will receive and greet family and friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at The Eatonton Chapel, 103 Willie Bailey Street.

A celebration of life for Ms. Hargrove will be Saturday, November 1, 2025, 1 pm, at St. John A.M.E. Church, 220 Willie Bailey Drive, Eatonton, Georgia. Interment and committal services will follow at East Eatonton City Cemetery, 124 Hogan Boulevard, Eatonton, Georgia 31024.

Sonja Hargrove Celebration of Life Service
Time: Nov 1, 2025, 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 638 619 0928
Passcode: 1123502

"In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John A.M.E. Women's Missionary Society, the Larry Dunn scholarship fund at the Church (P.O. Box 3332, Eatonton, GA 31024) or the American Legion Post 583 scholarship fund (PO Box 3035, Eatonton, GA 31024).

Bernard's Family Funeral Care, The Eatonton Chapel, is entrusted with the care of Ms. Sonja Hargrove.

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