Sonja Cleveland

Sonja Kim (Arnold) Cleveland, Age 68, of Whitney, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. After a courageous battle with multiple types of cancer, she is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sonja was born on June 13, 1956, in Lamesa, Texas and graduated from Whitney High School. On April 7, 1973, she married the love of her life, Dickie, in Whitney, Texas where together they built a loving family. Sonja spent many years in service to her community, first working at Lake Whitney Medical Center and then dedicating over 25 years at Whitney Elementary School. She served as the secretary and touched the lives of many students, teachers, and staff members. Her warmth, dedication, and caring spirit left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.

Sonja embraced her retirement by taking joyful trips with friends and cherishing every moment with her beloved grandchildren-whom she affectionately called her "heartbeats." She had an incredible memory, proudly knowing everyone's names and phone numbers by heart. Sonja had a special love for Sonic Dr Peppers and never missed a chance to enjoy lunch with friends. A woman of deep faith, she attended Bible studies regularly and found strength in her spiritual community. Perhaps her only flaw was her inability to keep a secret-she just loved to share.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Cuel (C.L.) and Frances Arnold, and her husband, Dickie Ray Cleveland. Sonja is survived by her son, Nicholas (Nick) Cleveland and his wife, Stephanie; daughter Carla Williams and her husband, Brent; grandchildren Brenlie, Elijah, Carter, and Claire; Aunt JoAn James; sister Linda McDaniel; brother Rick Arnold and wife, Sharon; sister-in-law Donna Arnold; and brother-in-law Marvin Pierce and wife, Emily. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Sonja's family was her greatest joy, and she was immensely proud of them all.

On behalf of Sonja, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the friends and loved ones who supported Sonja during her battle with cancer. Your care and kindness meant the world to her. A funeral will be held at 10am on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Whitney, Texas. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Home in Whitney from 6-8pm. In lieu of flowers and in Sonja's honor, donations may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene in Whitey, Texas. Sonja will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and strength will continue to inspire all those who were touched by her life.