Life Story of Sonya Felecia Flowers

On Mothers Day, May 9th, 2021, around 9:20pm,  Sonya Flowers was called home to be with God. That day was filled with love, laughter, and joy because she was visited by her son, Denelle Anderson, his father Larry Anderson, and several other family and friends who had the honor of sharing her last moments together.

Sonya Felecia Flowers was born October 18th, 1961 in Dover, Delaware to parents Queen Esther Flowers and Purvis McKinley Stennis. Sonya was raised by her mother and step-father, Samuel Flowers alongside Samuel's two daughters, Sonia(deceased), Terri and son, Tony Flowers. Sonya attended Purnell Elementary and Girls High School before graduating from Delaware State College with her Bachelors Degree. Sonya was a very bright student and able to accomplish anything she set her mind to. She held leading roles in Ufumbuzi Players theater plays on Delaware State College campus. She left an indelible mark on all of those who knew her at Del State as well as those she maintained friendships with beyond her college years. Soon after graduating, Sonya met Larry Lavelle Anderson with whom she had her only son, Denelle.

Sonya Flowers had a long and successful career in health and human services holding positions as a Information Analyst for Health Partners post undergrad, a similar role at Blue Cross Blue Shield, a bus attendant for the behaviorally challenged students in the school district of philadelphia in the Northeast region, and lastly working for NHS Human Services as a direct support employee working in residential for intellectually disabilied clients.

Sonya's life activities did not stop at excelling within her career, but also serving in her home church, Bibleway Freewill Baptist. She enjoyed ministering for years in the choir with solos that others always found uplifting and full of energy. She later joined the praise team to help positively set the atmosphere at the beginning of Sunday services. Sonya was also a member of women's bible ministry, a teacher for children's church on Sundays plus Vacation Bible School, and enjoyed being a part of the dance ministry where she got to spread God's love to people in the church and at nursing homes. Years later, Sonya reached a point in her relationship with God that required her to be closer with Him and decided to become a student of the New Life Bible Institute facilitated by her home church and some of the other church communities nearby. After going through the program she graduated with honors; celebrated by her mother and son who were extremely proud of all she had accomplished.

To summarize who Sonya Flowers was would be to simply say she was a God driven woman who passionately cared for her family, friends, and especially her son Denelle Anderson, whom she deeply loved and later nicknamed "Her Hero" in response to the care and protection he provided for her while battling her health. Sonya had great pride in knowing the amazing bond she and her son shared. If anyone got to see them together you'd know how much love was there and enjoy how much comedy there was between the two of them. Sonya was a phenomenal mother who would've given her last to provide for her son. In turn, her son did everything possible to secure his mother's happiness throughout her life.

Sonya was one that would always speak her mind but have a caring heart for all. She was the first one on the dance floor and the first one to help a friend in need. She loved being around family, which she got to enjoy at her last surprise birthday party in Delaware this past year. Sonya was a positive light to all who met her and someone who could not only encourage you with her own life testimonies but cover you in prayer through your situation. Her laughter was just as infectious as her smile and she always could get a room going with her sense of humor.

The good times Sonya had with so many will always be cherished above the bad. She went home to be with the Lord having love in her heart and her mind focused on Him. Sonya Flowers loved her son, the cousins she grew up with like siblings, and the friends and church members that grew into family. She was so grateful to have known everyone and held them close in her heart.

As her mother Queenie used to say, God has a plan, a purpose and a process for everyone's life. Without a doubt Sonya Flowers fulfilled all things she was sent here to do and her son Denelle will continue to take the love she gave him and represent his mother to the fullest as the strong, loving, talented man she raised.

Title: Poem to Mom

To be with the King,

Is your dream come true.

To be with the King,

Is a fitting reward, for a warrior soul such as yours.

Thank you for showing us how to fight,

Thank you for giving him praises day and night,

At times life tried to show you different

You made sure to hold tighter to His word

And because of that you now fly higher than the birds.

A new assignment has been given

And you passed on some many life lessons

So now I will carry the torch bravely,

Because I watched how you carried yours.

Rest well, you've earned it

Looked down with smiles and know

Your love still shines here.

God has reclaimed the gift He let us borrow

And I'm not mad or filled with sorrow

But excited to know you have two places to reside

One, in my heart and the other in the skies.

So, I love you mom thanks for being my first friend

Peace Out! As you would say,

Until we hug each other again on that great day

I will continue to give God all the glory, the honor and the praise

Because He blessed me with you as my mother

And gave us one more Mothers Day!