Sonja Hedrick Jones, age 77, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Sonja was born in Gaston County on April 3, 1939 to the late Karl H. Hedrick, Sr. and Rachel Huggins Hedrick. Sonja was a resident of Boiling Springs since the age of 6. In addition to her parents, Sonja is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, William "Allen" Jones.

Sonja is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Jones Barton and husband Kenneth of Brevard; sons, Lyman Allen Jones and wife Amy of Mill Spring, and Mike Templeton and girlfriend Julie Melser of Greenville, SC; six grandchildren, Kala and Meredith Barton, Baron, Grant and Lance Jones, and Brandon Templeton; and one great-grandchild, Harrison Templeton. She is also survived by her siblings, Amelia Hamrick and husband Wakefield of Lexington, Karl H. "Sonny" Hedrick Jr. and wife Jessie of Raleigh, Suzy Buckner and husband Clyde of the Poplar Springs Community, James Dwyre "Jimmy" Hedrick and wife Diann of Vale, and Rachel Virginia "Gin-g" Edwards and husband Fred of Summerville, SC.

After graduating from Boiling Springs High School in 1957, Sonja went on to graduate with high honors from Gardner-Webb Junior College in 1959 with an Associate of Arts degree. At graduation, she was a recipient of the Huggins-Curtis Citizenship Award. She continued her education at Appalachian State Teachers College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1961 and graduated cum laude. During her career of 32 years as an elementary teacher, Sonja shared her love and talents as she touched the lives of countless kindergarten and first grade children at Boiling Springs Elementary School. She was a part of the Supervision of Student Teachers at Appalachian State Teachers College and Gardner-Webb College. Sonja was recognized in 1972 as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America, and as Teacher of the Year in 1977 for Cleveland County Schools. Sonja was a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma, National Educator's Association, International Reading Association and other various teacher organizations. She was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Graduates of Gardener-Webb University in 2008.

Sonja was a lifelong, active member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church where she worked with the R.A.'s, chaperoned the youth on various retreats, taught a Sunday School class for young married couples, participated in mission trips, served on many committees throughout her membership, and served as a Deacon.

Sonja was also active in her community where she volunteered as a "Story Lady" at her church's daycare and the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA Library. She enjoyed her time as a Pedi-Tours volunteer at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. Sonja also served as a member and as president at one time for the local Boiling Springs Extension Community Association. Throughout her lifetime, she served on various committees for the town of Boiling Springs which she dearly loved.

Sonja loved the beach and spent endless summers at Holden Beach with her husband Allen, her children and numerous family members and friends. She enjoyed flying kites and searching for beautiful seashells; and she especially loved digging for delicate sand dollars. Sonja often shared her findings with family and friends, and even used the legend of the sand dollar as a way to share her faith in Jesus Christ with others. She also loved reading, writing poetry, planning and directing weddings and receptions, eating chocolate, blowing bubbles and celebrating Christmas. Sonja was a lady of small stature, but her personality was larger than life. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Boiling Springs Baptist Church. The receiving of friends and a reception will follow the service in the Life Enrichment Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Huggins Hamrick Scholarship Fund at Gardner-Webb University; Attn: Becky Robbins, PO Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 or online at http://gardner-webb.edu/donate-now/index (click on "other" and write in the name of the scholarship).

Bob Beason Sacred Music Scholarship Fund c/o Boiling Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 917, Boiling Springs, NC 28017. Make checks payable to Boiling Springs Baptist Church with the name of the scholarship noted on the memo line.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Jones.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com