Sonja Willard

Sonja “Sunny” Willard, age 86, of King, NC, entered her eternal rest on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sunny was born October 21, 1939, in West Jefferson, NC, to the late Conley and Mabel Worley. She grew up with a warm and giving spirit that would define her life. In 1959, she married the love of her life, the late Richard C. Willard, Jr., and together they built a family rooted in love, and laughter. They were blessed with three beautiful children: Anita W. Clifton, Michelle Snider (Larry), and the late Richard C. Willard III. Sunny was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She cherished her family above all and poured her love into every generation. Her gentle heart, ready smile, and caring ways touched everyone who knew her. Uniquely Sunny was able to experience five living generations twice in her life, the first with the birth of her first great grandson, Dillon, who was born on the same day as her father who was the first generation, and again with the birth of her first great great granddaughter RaeLynn, when she was the first generation.

She was a faithful member of New Hope United Methodist Church and worked many years at Rominger’s Furniture and Hillcrest Furniture, where she made lasting friendships. Outside of work and church, Sunny found joy in her lifelong love of The Wizard of Oz. She delighted in collecting memorabilia and often reminded her loved ones that, just like Dorothy discovered, “There’s no place like home.” Sunny spent her final years at Village Care Nursing Home in King, NC, where she was lovingly cared for.

She is survived by her siblings: Melba (Ron), Barbara Lawrence, Jim (Karen) Worley, and Ronnie (Lillian) Worley; her grandchildren Angela (Dave) Jackson, Mike (Rachel) Clifton, Zach Snider, Megan (Chase) Boyles, and Austin (Megan) Snider; great-grandchildren Dillon (Amber) Jackson, Taylor Jackson, Abbilee Jackson, Creed Jackson, Slate Jackson, Gunney Clifton, Bayly Clifton, Charley Clifton, and Worley Clifton; and her great-grandchildren Beau Boyles, Avah Boyles, and Emelia Snider; great-great grandchildren, RaeLynn and Brantley Jackson

Sunny will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Richard and their son Ricky at Parklawn Cemetery in Winston-Salem, NC. Though her earthly journey has ended, the family takes comfort in knowing that Sunny has followed her own yellow brick road—straight into the arms of her Savior and the reunion with those she loved so dearly.

There will be a memorial service conducted at 11am Friday, November 28, 2025, at Jefferson Christian Church in Rural Hall NC. Family will receive visitors one hour prior to service. In Lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to Jeferson Christian Church, 8200, Jefferson Church Road, Rural Hall, NC 27045.