ZUNI — Sonja Susan Forbes Hardison, 80, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, following a brief illness.

Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, Sonja was the daughter of the late Nelson M. and Eula Pauline Friend Forbes. Born to a family of seven children, Sonja is also preceded in death by four siblings.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Sonja is survived by her husband of 61 years, Claude Allen Hardison Sr.; two sons, Claude Allen Hardison Jr., and his wife, Beverly, and Clifton James Hardison; five grandchildren, Allen, Robbin, Daniel, Sonja and Luke; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Patricia and Mary; a host of nieces and nephews, including Sandy Mason; and extended family and friends.

Sonja had a constant, abiding faith in God and love and devotion to her family. She was a longtime member of Living Hope Community Fellowship and the ministries of the church.

She worked for Sentara Obici Hospital as a medical transcriptionist for some 15 years. Eleven years ago, Sonja founded and was director of the American Military Mission. Every month, 15 to 20 care packages were packed and sent to servicemen the world over.

A service celebrating Sonja’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, in Living Hope Community Fellowship with the Rev. Kevin Payne officiating. Burial will follow in Albert G. Horton Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions to the charity of one’s choice.

Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton.

Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at www.colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.