A Time to Be Born
On January 28, 1975, our beloved Sonja Ta’shale Jackson was born to Lynnette Smith and Samuel Jackson, Jr. in Buffalo, New York. Growing up in the Perry’s during the late 70’s and in Kenfield-Langfield during the early 80’s, Sonja was very active in her community, participating in the Youth in Progress Marching Band and she fostered many lifelong relationships.
Sonja’s received her early education at Buffalo Public School No. 44 and Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts where she majored in Art, before entering the Radio and Television program. She was an active student, entering art shows, talent shows, rapping in the dj booth, or serving on student committees. She was the Sergeant at Arms of her Senior class of 93. She enrolled in Buffalo State College, and majored in the Criminal Justice program. Shortly after, she graduated with an Associates Degree from Erie Community College.
The twists and turns of life led her to take a few breaks from school. She relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina for a short time before returning home to Buffalo after her mother suffered a stroke. While one sister worked and the other still a minor, Sonja assumed the role of full time caregiver, a role she embraced growing up as a second mother to her two younger sisters. Shortly after, Sonja and her lifetime friend and partner, Dorian were blessed with an amazing son, Giovanni. Her world changed, as every thing she did was for her son. “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13
A Time to Plant
Working in various workforces, in her early years at Adelphia/Time Warner and most recently, a Lead Family Partner and Director at CAO of WNY, with dedication and sacrifice, she purchased her first home for herself and her son. Sonja’s self-determination and value of education always brought her back into study. The Fall of 2022, Sonja enrolled into the Sociology Department at the University at Buffalo and just one day prior to her untimely departure, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Sonja walked steadily with God and her Christian roots were anchored at a young age. She attended Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. Robert Baines. She joined True Bethel Baptist Church, where she attended regularly with her family.
A Time to Die
In the early morning on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, our beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Sonja Ta’shale Jackson entered into eternal rest.
Sonja will be well remembered by her radiating spirit, beautiful smile and laugh. Also, her kindness, hospitality, wise counsel, and humility. Her trust in God was unwavering and non-negotiable. Her praise was genuine and her walk was truly by faith- all attributes she instilled in her son.
Sonja was a great cook. She fried the best chicken, made the best golden pancakes with the crispy rim, baked the best cakes, and hosted the best family holiday dinners. She was fun, funny, and the life of the party. Her favorite artist was Prince and her favorite movie was Under the Cherry Moon. Her past time included modeling for Lane Bryant, shopping at Hobby Lobby and HomeGoods for arts, crafts and home décor, which during the summer of 2022, matured into a home decor company, Sonjackson Creates.
Her beautiful memories and legacy is left with her beloved son, Giovanni N. White; mother, Lynnette Smith (Robert) and father, Samuel Jackson Jr.; sisters, Tameka C. and Dominique J. Dixon; sister in love, Ebonie White, mother in love, Mrs. White, and heart companion, Dorian White; bonus father, Dennis Dixon; aunts: Juanita Sage, Shirley Hardy, Charlene Watts (Hassan), and Vena Jackson; uncles: Clarence Jackson (Brendalynn), Larry Jackson (Rosemarie), Carl Jackson, Michael Hardy (Shirley), Allen Hardy, and Edward Hardy; niece, Sheletta Jackson; and nephew, Rudolph Jackson; and a host of cousins, godchildren, other loving family and friends.
Sonja shared a sibling bond with so many family and friends: Demoan, Salcion, Tracy, Shenita, Mahogany, Kevin, Viv, Vonnie, and Sarah; she kept close many childhood friends: CC, Kim, Sonia “Sonnycat;” and loved a host of other extended family and friends.
She joins in heaven one sister, Deria Jackson; her grandparents; and a host of other family.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 10 AM at True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 East Ferry Street. Celebration of Life to follow at 11 AM. Final resting place Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Services will be livestreamed at www.truebethel.com