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Sonya Thomas-Hawkins Obituary
She was born in Independence, La., on April 14, 1967, daughter of Thelma (Cyprian-Thomas) Potter of Lawrence, and the late Jesse James Thomas. She was raised and educated in Lawrence, and graduated from Lawrence High School. She previously resided in Atlanta before moving to Tewksbury last year.
Ms. Thomas-Hawkins had been employed as a receptionist at Flowpak Inc., in Atlanta.
Following her return to Massachusetts, she had been a member of the New Life Christian Church in Lowell.
Besides her mother, her survivors include two sons, David Thomas of Lowell and Malcolm Hawkins of Tewksbury; two daughters, Tyana Hawkins and Alicia Hawkins, both of Tewksbury; her stepfather, Ian Potter of Lawrence; two brothers, Jesse James Thomas Jr. of Lawrence and Calvin Thomas of Lowell; three sisters, Leslie and Mary Thomas, both of Lawrence, and Phyllis "Tiny" Thomas of Lowell; a grandson, Isaiah; her maternal grandmother, Mary (Brooks) Mosley of Louisiana; two close friends, Robyn Unger and David Paterson, of Tewksbury; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sonya Thomas-Hawkins
tyana hawkins
May 4, 2006
hey ma... i can't believe that this year has gone by so fast... i can't believe that you're really not here.. sometimes i even forget that you're gone and that you were sick.. when i see you in my dreams you're not sick, there's nothing wrong with you.. everything is ok and i wish that's how things were... so many things have changed so fast and i wish that you were here because there's so much that i need you to be here for... i wish you could've been here to prevent me from doing and saying stupid things and from making bad choices and things like that... when you were here i felt so protected i didn't worry about anyone messin with me because i knew you would always let them know what the deal was... and i didn't worry about feeling lonely because i always had you to talk to...i can't believe you're not here for me to talk to, to watch t.v. with... i remember how much fun we used to have in the hospital, and i was always excited to go vsit you... i never imagined i would like to be in a hospital so much... at least that's what i used to think .. but now i'm realizing that it was you that made eveything so enjoyable... no matter how sick you were or where you were you always kept that smile on your face... and for a while i thought i was being strong for you but you were being even stronger for me... i hated for you to be in pain... i hated it when there wasn't anything that i could do to make you more comfortable... to make you feel better... so many times i prayed to God that he could just let you get a good night's sleep, or help you to feel more comfortable... i would've given up anything to make you feel better... and i always felt so much better when we finally got you comfortable... there are so many things that i miss about you... i miss seeing your face light up whenever someone came to visit, and i miss staying up with you watchin t.v.... i even miss sneakin you nutter butters into the hospital, and miss talkin to you on the phone when you were in the hospital.... and i remember when you were in the hospital around christmas time.. i was so scared because i thought that you weren't gonna be able to come home... and i wasn't even upset because i wanted you to be home... i was sad because i know you didn't wanna be in there.. i used to get so excited whenever you were about to come home because whenever you were in the hospital the house didn't feel the same... and now that's how it feels... nothing feels the same... i don't feel the same... you really were my best friend... i always preferred being around you rather then going places with everyone else... i always hated leaving you, i always wanted to be with you.... and i remember at night when you were sleepin i couldn't sleep because i wanted to make sure that if you needed anything i would be able to help you.. ma i even miss little things like fixing your pillow for you or helping you with your straw... i just can't get over the fact that you aren't gonna be here for the things that i'm gonna need you for... like when i get married or when isaiah is out late and doesn't call...or what to do if savannah scrapes her knee these are all things that i wish you could be here for... i'm so grateful to God that he allowed me to have you as a mother.. i'm so glad that i got to be your daughter, i'm not happy he took away but i'm glad he did it when when we were all old enough to have memories of you and things that you taught us... i'm never going to be able to completely accept that fact that you're never coming back.. that this just isn't a trip to the hospital... ma i miss you so much and not a day goes by that i don't think of you or wish that you were here.. but as much as i don't want to let you go... i know i have to.. instead of being sad about the things that we're not gonna be able to do... i'm gonna be happy about the things that we did get to do... and they're always gonna make me smile... i miss you so much and i'm always gonna keep you in my thoughts... and be sure to keep you in my heart.. i love you so so much.. rest peacefully ma..
Donna Viau
May 4, 2006
Sonya with her young heart has departed this world
Her family and friends miss her, a spirited girl
She lived life to it’s fullest while walking with us
Now the Angels in Heaven have their chance to adjust
Breast Cancer took our Sonya away
Now our memories are all we have to replay
Two sons and two daughters will make it alone
A grandson she met, but triplet girls were just born
These precious granddaughters she’ll have to watch from above
And let Tyana know that she will send all her love
Alicia and Malcolm and David too
Should also know that she will always have the best view
As she keeps an eye on their everyday life
She is laughing and crying and dancing on high
Think happy thoughts with Sonya in mind
Keep her within your heart – don’t leave her behind
Thelma, or “Mo-Mo” as some of you say
Has a happy story to tell each day
As Sonya’s mother and my good friend
It is strength and inspiration I get from her when
I think of how short this sweet life could be
And how my family would have to carry on without me.
Grieving is an important step in our healing
It helps us get over that big empty feeling
Then we move on to remember the good
And dream of our Sonya, to stay with us she should
Forever be part of our lives in our hearts
Without pain in God’s hands her troubles depart
We know Calvin will visit – he’ll sit and he’ll read
Up on Sonya’s hilltop – a beautiful scene
Mary and Leslie and Tiny too
Bug’s off to war - he is fighting for you
These are the siblings with whom Sonya broke bread
As Thelma took care to make sure they were fed
One big family is still together today
As they remember Sonya with them always she’ll stay.
(written by: Donna Viau 5/1/06)
tyana hawkins
November 3, 2005
Hi ma.... I was thinking about you today.. I was thinking about that time we went to a basketball game at my school and that lady kept staring a you..she made me so mad... i don't know what made me think of that.. but anyway, I miss you so much i wish you were here right now so you could settle some things for me.. but I'm doing ok.. I know you're up there and I hope you're happy with what I'm doing.. I'm trying my best to be a good mother and to make smarter choices.. so far I think I'm doing alright.. If you see somethin I need to improve on find a way to let me know :). anyway I just wanted to let you know you were on my mind.. I love you...
tyana
September 13, 2005
Hi Ma... I was just thinking about you as always.. I miss you so much. I wish I could see you, and hug you.. It hurts me so much that you're gone..sometimes I wish you were here so bad, and then I think about all your pain and I'm so happy that you're better now.. now that you're with God.. sometimes I want to ask him, why did he take away my mother?why did he take away my best friend? but I know you're so much better up there with him.. but it still hurts so bad..but I smile when I think about all the good times we had.. and the time we spent together when you were in and out of the hospital.. I was always so happy to go and see you.. I miss seeing you, and talking to you, and just being next to you.. I miss sleeping next to you and waking up 3 in the morning just because..I miss everything about you.. sometimes, when I'm home alone I just cry, because I want you here with me.. and that's how I feel now.. I'm so alone, and I'm so sad.. looking at your pictures makes me smile, but then it makes me think about how much I miss you.. but I stay strong.. for you. for Isaiah.. I love you so much and I'm gonna continue to do good things.. and to make you proud of me...because I'm so proud of you.. I'm so glad you fought all you could.. that's my motivation everyday.. I love you
tyana hawkins
August 17, 2005
Hey Ma..... I'm just sitting here and I was thinking about you lastnight.. I wanted to cry,, but I didnt.. I miss yu so much, I still kinda can't believe you're gone.. Sometimes I forget that even though you're nt here with us right now. you're up in heaven, and I know it's you that's always essin with Isaiah when he's laughing and playing.. I wish he could've gotten to know you better, I'm sad sad that you gus didnt have that nuch time together.. but I'm gonna tell him about how happy you were when you got to hold him, and kiss him, and make him smile..Isaiah is my new stayin up buddy now, it's not the same but I guess it'll do.. Ma I love you so much, I wish that you could be here with us ven if I had to stay in the house with you 24/7 and not leave anywhere I dont care, I just miss you so much.. You're my best friend and now I have this empty space and sometimes I don't know what to do.. but.. i think i'm doing pretty good so far, I had a couple of bumps in the road, but now i'm doing everything i know you want me to do.. I'm gonna make you proud..and from now on every time I accomplish something I hope you know that I'm doing it for you, just like you want me to.Anyway, I just wanted to let you know you were on my mind and that I miss you so much..come visit me sometime we can watch t.v. together=).. I love you.... Tyana
adine latimore
August 17, 2005
just wanted to say I miss you and those special talks and times that we shared.
Erica McDougal
August 16, 2005
There isn't a day that passes that Sonya doesn't cross my mind in my everyday life. I miss her and I absolutely hate the fact that I can't pick up the phone and tell her how my day was, to see how she is doing, to rant and rave about the things that piss me off, or just to hear her voice. I miss her so much that it angers me that she will never get the chance to see her gorgeous grandson grow into a handsome man. My family misses you too, like you said my family is your family and your family is my family! Girl do you know how many times that I've picked up the phone ready to call one of the girls to see what you were doing? Some days I felt like or rather wished this was all a dream. Everytime I talk to about you always say the same thing, "I miss that crazy girl" or " I can't believe that she is gone". I would of never guessed that I would loss my bestfriend and at least not at the age of 38. I can truely say that all the friends that I have acquired in my lifetime I can truely say that out friendship was one that I really cherished and adored. You know who really resented the fact that we became such close friends since you were suppose to be her friend at first, you know she never got over that fact. I can't believe that you are really gone. You were too full of life to have left all of us this early. I hate that you were taken away from me and there are so many worthless people out there killing each other and have no regard for life, whereas she fought for 11 years to live and raise her kids. I will still fulfill our commitment to each other, I will not let you down I promise you. I know now that she is dancing like David danced and she is sitting next to our maker probably talking his ear off about something or trying to run the joint like she always tried to do here. Girl who's seat are you trying to steal now? And remember that there were people there before you, so wait your turn trying to get to the front of the line. I miss you, I love you, and keep dancing for me until we meet again. I LOVE YOU MY SISTA, MY BESTFRIEND, MY PARTNER, MY GIRL!!!
August 16, 2005
He Walks Through Your Storm
Her life was in shambles
Or so it appeared
You’ve heard the stories
But God had her ear
She was stretched to a limit
She was humble and meek
She was broken and sorry
She was tired and weak
Time kept its ticking
Life kept its stride
Hope sprung eternal
Pain ebbed to low tide
To some small degree
Her circumstance altered
Her step has more purpose
Where once it had faltered
But ask her one question.
She’ll smile at the thought.
"Just why did this happen,
Just what were you taught?"
In response she might tell you
Though you might think her odd
"Without the dark troubles,
I’d have missed faithful God."
"Now I’ve stories to tell
Of His love never-ending,
My trust in His wisdom
No longer is pending"
"He walked with me always,
I see that truth now
And I love Him so deeply
In ways I hadn’t allowed.
"So, why did I struggle
Through such horrible pain?
Perhaps my story will help you"
When you call on his name."
Like raindrops on flowers
Like silver refined
Like storm clouds in summer
They can simply remind
God can work though our trials
He can grow us in rain
Standing only in sunshine
Finds us withered - in pain.
Bask in the sunshine
But rain will soon fall
Drops may seem dreadful
A thorn just like Paul’s
But God’s grace is sufficient
He walks through your storm
He’s proud of your story
And the heart He’s transformed.
Phyllis Thomas
August 16, 2005
I've spent most of my life following you, getting in and out of trouble with you.(ha,ha,ha)I never thought you'd go anywhere that I could not follow,but you did.
Before you passed away God sent me a dream to let me know that he was coming to take you home, and every night since then my heart aches.
Me and you have always been flip sides of a coin but we still go together always. After my son died I did not think my heart would ever revisit such deep pain and sorrow, yet my soul cries! Give my son and my father a kiss. I'll see you in my dreams for now until we meet on the other side. I love you!
Tiny
Nichell Latimore
August 16, 2005
We all love and miss Sonya however I am blessed to have met her and gotten to know her. We are all here for her family and loved ones.
Noelia Gonzalez
July 8, 2005
When I heard you past away I felt so emotionally sad. I have never forgotten you because of your good sense of humor. You were the person that braided my hair(you hocked it up). I felt that we all lost a friend but I gained and angel. I love you and I miss you! Peace!
Kenisha McFadden
July 7, 2005
Hi Aunty Sonya,
I miss you so much. Everyday I soon learn that your gone. I grown tied of crying so all I can do is write my feelings in the Guest Book. I LOVE YOU and I will always miss you!
Michelle Hawkins
July 7, 2005
Sonya, you just came across my mind and so I wanted to stop and take a moment to say that you will never ever be forgotten! Your Spirit lives on -- Praise God! Love, Michelle
Tyana Hawkins
July 5, 2005
God looked around his garden
and found an empty space,
he looked down upon his earth,
and saw your loving face
He put his arms around you,
and lifted you to rest,
his Garden must be beautiful,
he always takes the best,
He knew that you were suffering,
he knew you were in pain,
And knew that you would never
get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult,
He closed your tired eyes,
He whispered to you "Peace be Thine"
and gave you wings to fly.
When we saw you sleeping,
so calm and free of pain
We would not wish you back
to earth to suffer once again.
You've left us precious memories,
your love will be our guide,
You live on through your children,
you're always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
on the day God called you home
-Unknown
Tyana Hawkins
June 14, 2005
Lastnight, I was sitting on the couch and the t.v. was on but i couldn't hear it, right then and there it hit me that you're really gone, that it's not just a stay at the hospital, or you in a nursing home, you're really not here, I don't have my best friend anymore, I don't have you to protect me me from the things you used to and I am so sad because I miss you, I miss you more than i could have ever anticipated, I never realized how much I really needed you, I thought I would be ok, but I'm not, and you were the only one I could talk to about these things, I'm trying to keep my mind focused but it's so hard, and I'm tryng the best I can to be strong but sometimes I feel like I can't even breathe, you are the missimg piece to this puzzle i call my life, now it will never be finished, but I promise you I will get back on track, and I'm doing it for me and you, I know that's what you want.... I just wanted to let you know you were on my mind
Michelle Hawkins
June 13, 2005
Sonya, I think of you often and can still hear your voice. Love You. Michelle
Nicole (Alvarado)Blalock
May 24, 2005
My heartfelt condolences and deep prayers are with all of the family at this time. I just found out about Sonya and my heart weeps. Sonya was my first and best friend when my family moved to Lawrence in 1975. I will never forget that day. I was playing in the park alone on Juniper street and she walked up to me and asked if I wanted to play double-dutch with her and her friends. After that we were the 3 musketeers. Its was Sonya, Karlene Henry and me. Life will never be the same. I miss you Sonya.
Love,
Nicky
Mary Thomas
May 15, 2005
Hey big sister I miss you so much. I just dont know where to start. No matter what I do, where I go something reminds me of you. Some days are harder than the other so I say what would Sonya do if she was with me now, sing and dance like there where no troubles at all
so that's what I'd picture everytime I think of you. It's so hard but it keeps a big smile on my face. I love you and I miss you so much!
Michelle Hawkins
May 11, 2005
Hi Sonya. Can I just tell you that I miss you! I miss our conversations, I miss our prayer time, I miss our laughs. I thank God that you are no longer in pain and that you are doing your dance in Heaven. You did your work here on earth. You showed us all how to really have faith and how to never give up despite what it looks like. For that I consider you a true Woman of God! I think of you all the time and will never ever forget about our sisterhood. I Love You. Michelle
tyana hawkins
May 7, 2005
hey ma i just wanted t say Happy Mother's Day.... to me you were more than just a mother you were my friend.... i was thinking about how we used to stay up until 3 and 4 in the morning watching t.v. knowing i had to get up for school in the morning, and how we used to hop in the car and go to Kroger at midnight just to get some snacks..lol i miss staying up with you and talkin' about the people on the screen what they shouldn't have done.ma i miss you so much i couldn't even begin to explain it to you.. i still can't believe you're not here, but i'm happy you're in a better place. i love you ma, Happy Mother's Day
Kenisha McFadden
May 2, 2005
It is me again. I just wanted to say that my aunt (Aunty Sonya) was a wonderful person. Reading these entries made me feel emotional. I truley miss her a lot (on the account of her death). I will soon see her one day and I can't wait to see her.
Lynn Moran
May 2, 2005
Sonya, I will miss you, but I know that you are ok. Your pain is finally gone and you are at peace.
Like Jorel said now you can walk again.
Love you.
Shari Latimore
April 30, 2005
Sonya, God bless you and we miss you. I am glad that you are no longer in pain. And i know that you are looking down on all your loved ones.You are always on our minds. Rest in peace.
alicia hawkins
April 28, 2005
Mommy...I am going to miss you so much, I do miss you so much...I can't even begin to comprehend how much I need you. I was telling Judy the other day that if anybody needs anybody they need their mother. And we're going to go through so much in life where we say "Man, I wish ma was here" and it's going to have to be good enough that you're watching us from heaven smiling saying "That's my baby!!!". I know that God does what he wants to for his own special reasons but sometimes I cant help but wonder why He brought you through so much and now you're gone. But I guess we'll never really know for right now we can just keep thinking that you were sent here to show people the real and awesome power of God. Because of you I can look at lots of things and say "It's ok, if my Mom did that, I can do this". You are the strongest person that I've ever met and I'm so happy you gave that characteristic to us. Even though I'm sad that you're gone I'm glad that now you can finally dance like David danced and sing like David sang. My Mom, my perfect, beautiful Mom...I want you to know that you are my world and the love that I have for you can't be comprehended...and not that I'm in any rush to go but I can't wait to see you again and your smile...even though you were going through all of that your smile still managed to break through so that you could make sure that you let everybody know that everything is ok...Ma, I love you and I miss you...I'll see you again one day!!!
tyana hawkins
April 28, 2005
ma i miss you more than i could have ever imagined i thought i was handling it all until it hit me that you're not coming back this time, i really thought of you as my best friend and i miss you so much i'm happy that you're up in heaven with God"cold chillin'", i told momo you probably got everyone up there watchin Dance 360.... but i know you're looking down at us and that's what is keeping me from completely breaking down, but i'm going to do the very best i can to make you proud of me, of all of us, i am sorry for the stupid and crazy things i did that mad you mad and made you worry i just want you to know that i love you very much and i wouldn't have changed anything about you,you will always be my inspiration to do better and not to give up. i'll see you when i get there....
Thelma Potter
April 26, 2005
I am relieved that you, my child, is at last free from many years of pain and fear, but I can't begin to figure out how to accept the fact that I will no longer see you on this side. I know you are dancing and singing again, but it may be a while before I see you, and this stings. I will always cherish your memories, and the fact that you wanted me all to yourself despite the fact that you have five siblings. Daughter, you have a sense of humour and a smile that lights up dark places, and I will miss your mischievous grin.Your passing has left a gaping hole in my heart, but I will continue to trust God and draw strength from Him. Rest in peace, and love always.
Mom
ps.- I knew you would wonder what's wrong with me if I didn't do an entry, ha! ha!
shawna jelli
April 24, 2005
hey malcolm how you doin?...im soo sorry about your mom...jus kno jellybean is here for you if you needa talk...xoxo
Dan Reulbach
April 23, 2005
I didn't know Sonya that well, but for the time that Malcolm lived in Milton, I got to know him as one of my best friends. All i can say is, best wishes to him and his family with this tragic loss and that I'm here for you Malcolm.
Billie Jo Turner
April 22, 2005
Calvin and family,
I am not an expert at offering words of wisdom or comfort ....As a matter of fact, I am really clueless. All I can say is that Sonya was so full of life while she was here and will be remembered always. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Billie Jo and family .....
Kim Titcomb-Lamon
April 21, 2005
Sonya, I'll never forget the funny things we did together, mostly our singing phone calls to each other.
I'm sorry that I can't be there, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep you safe and peaceful.
I'll miss you.
Chanel Eori
April 21, 2005
Malcolm, you're an amazinngg person and I'm so sorry that you had to go through all this pain. Everyone I know is there for you, whenever you need it, always here if you wanna talk. Once again I'm reallyy sorry, you don't deserve that kind of pain, but we all know she's looking down on you babe. Love you.
alex fredriksen
April 21, 2005
malcolm stay up kid.. im always hear for yoy .. love you man
April 21, 2005
onli the good die young
Tonimarie Bryan
April 21, 2005
Sonya was like a second mother to me, even though she was my mothers best friend she was like a mother to me. She even picked out my name..she said it sounded like a white cheerleader(how i miss her humor). And now that she has left I feel like a huge part is missing from my name but more from my heart..I miss you so much Sonya and I will always love you!
brooke lizotte
April 21, 2005
im so sorry for your loss of Sonya.
Keep your heads up and malcolm you know you have a lot of friends that are here for you.
Don't give up.
Justin Lamoureux
April 20, 2005
malcom stay up kid and you know that me and the boys are here for you
Malcolm Hawkins
April 20, 2005
Sonya was my mother. She was my hero. All I have known of her is cancer. Since I was 3. I miss her soo much. She was everything to me. She still is.
Carissa Sexton
April 20, 2005
I`m Malcolms Girlfriend .. I heard alot about Sonya .. and shes seems wicked nice .. and a good person .. I`m so sorry .. I hope everyone is ok .. and i know what you are all going through .. my dad passed away in October of 2004 .. I`m so sorry again .. keep you`r head up
Joan
April 20, 2005
Dear Sonya, I pray that you are now out of pain and at peace in the arms of Jesus our Saviour.
Your friend
Kenisha McFadden
April 20, 2005
I was her niece. Aunty Sonya was a great women. God bless her.
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