Sonya Sells Withers

Sonya Sells Withers, age 78, died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 6, 2011. She was born in Del Rio, Texas to Hattie Lewis Ellis and John Kenneth Sells on December 5, 1933. Because her father was in the military, her family lives a somewhat nomadic life as an "Army brat". However, she did spend her teenage years in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky until she met (then) Lt. Pete Withers. They were married at Ft. Knox on October 10, 1953. Sonya continued living a nomadic life supporting her husband's military career. Among her homes were Ft. Benning, Georgia; San Marcos, Texas; Ft. Rucker, Alabama; Stuttgart, Germany; Ft. Carson, Colorado and Ft. McPherson, Georgia. She has lived in the Atlanta area since 1973 living in South DeKalb, Doraville, Lilburn, and lastly King's Bridge Retirement Center. They count 30 moves during their marriage. Sonya was a 35 year member of Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, during which time she was Wedding Director, Head of Altar Guild, prominent in Daughters of the King and a graduate of EFM. She also loved cooking, her grandchildren, playing bridge and was an antique afficionado. Sonya is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter Withers; an estranged son; a daughter, Julianne Withers of Alpharetta; a daughter and son-in-law, Richard and Diane Belden of Clifton, Virginia; and two grandchildren, Jessica Belden and Stephen Belden of Clifton, Virginia. A celebration of life including mass will be on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Holy Trinity Parish, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, GA at 3:00 PM, The Rev. Mtr. Joan Pritcher celebrating. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project are appreciated. The family will receive friends this evening (Friday) from 4-6 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons, Decatur.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033