Sonya T. Jackson, talented musician
Sonya T. Jackson, 60, of Lewes, went to be with the Lord Friday July 20, 2018. She was born March 31, 1958, in Washington, D.C., daughter of Orlando Gross and the late Phillip and Gertrude Jones.
Sonya graduated from Cambridge High School in Cambridge, Md., where she pursued her love for music. She was nominated for Who's Who, an honors program dedicated to recognizing music students on a national level. Sonya sang in chorus, played in the stage, marching, and concert bands, acted in the drama club and coordinated all of her talents in the All-Shore Band. She was the band representative for the Maryland Regional Center for the Arts. Sonya won the singing competition at the Annual Literary Arts contest conducted by the Chesapeake College. She played the bass and contra-bass clarinet instruments. She began taking ballet and piano lessons in the first grade, began instruction on the B-flat clarinet in the seventh grade and then went on to accomplish many other musical endeavors. She attended college at Salisbury State College.
She later married Glenden Jackson and from that union, they were blessed with three beautiful children. Sonya went back to school at Delaware State University where she received her certification as a pharmacy technician. For several years she worked for the Stockley Center in Georgetown, and KSI in Milford. She had a love for helping others, which brought happiness in her life every day. She loved being a full-time mother and homemaker raising her children, as well as cooking, trying new recipes and taking family vacations.
As a child, Sonya was an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, where she was the Sunday school pianist and a full-time member of the 4-H club. As an adult, she was a member of Israel United Methodist Church in Lewes. Throughout the years, Sonya enjoyed her daily power walks and supporting her children in every way possible, including their sports activities and booster clubs. More than anything, she enjoyed the time spent creating memories with her family.
Left to honor Sonya are her father Orlando Gross (Carol) of Salisbury, Md.; her husband of 41 years, Glenden Jackson of Lewes; her three children: Christopher Jackson of Newark, Matthew Jackson (Krystal) of Waldorf, Md., and Chelsea Jackson of Rehoboth Beach; and her granddog Drake; her five grandchildren: Christopher Jackson Jr., Kennedy Jackson, Kayla Mason, David Mason Jr., and Karter Jackson; and her brother, Marshall Jones (Sabrina) of Corpus Christi, Texas. Sonya leaves to cherish her in-laws, a host of nieces and nephews, and "the girls," JoAnn McCready and Goldie Cooper. Sonya was an inspiration to all who knew her and we will always carry her memory in our hearts.
A Celebration of Sonya's life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 28, at Israel United Methodist Church, 20230 Plantation Road, Lewes, where friends may visit, beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the services at the Israel United Methodist Cemetery. A repast will be held at Rabbit's Ferry School, 19112 Robinsonville Road, Lewes.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Visit Sonya's Life Memorial webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
