Sonja Bennett Simon (née Lewis) passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the age of 79.
Sonja was born on November 30, 1938 in Bryan, Texas. She was the first child of Charles B. Lewis and Mibline Elvira Price. The family resided in College Station but moved to Houston before she started school. She attended Stephen F. Austin High School where she was involved in several clubs and played bassoon in the marching band. Sonja graduated from high school in 1957. She then moved to San Marcos to attend Southwest Texas State University where she earned a degree in Speech and Drama and obtained her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in 1965. She taught for one year in Corpus Christi and another year in San Marcos. The remainder of her 28-year teaching career was spent working for the Hays Independent School District.
On November 22nd, 1959 Sonja married Edward Rhea Simon and they were married until his death in 2013. They had their first child, Piper Rhea’L Simon, in December of 1966. They moved into their first home in Kyle, Texas the night she was born. Their second child, Channing Bennett Simon, was born in August of 1972. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, family gatherings, and watching the maturation of her granddaughters, Bailey and Brooke.
Sonja is survived by her daughter, Piper Rhea’L Barrett and husband John Earl Barrett; her son, Channing Bennett Simon and wife Carrie Simon; her brother, Charles Price Lewis and wife Betty Ann Lewis; and granddaughters Bailey Barrett and Brooke Barrett. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Rhea Simon, and her parents, Charles Bennett Lewis and Mibline Elvira Lewis. Finally, we must acknowledge Sonja’s dog, Dudley, who provided Sonja with companionship, unconditional love, and unending loyalty.
In accordance with her wishes, Sonja’s body was cremated, and her ashes were spread at the family farm located in Bedias, Texas. The family is grateful for prayers and condolences but declines flowers and donations. The family would like to thank the staff at Resolute Health Hospital, and especially Dr. Antonio Alvarado, for their excellent care and dedication.
