Sonja Watson Straughan, 86, of Mayodan, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Mayodan on January 2, 1938, to James Gorrell Watson and Bannie Sharpe Watson, Sonja was a bright and accomplished student, graduating as the salutatorian of her high school class. She attended Mars Hill College for two years before completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

In 1964, Sonja met and married the love of her life, Stephen Arthur Straughan, and together they built a life full of love and devotion. After facing the challenge of infertility, Sonja and Stephen joyfully adopted two beautiful children, Erik and Nicole, whom she cherished beyond measure. She was an extraordinary mother, always present and offering unconditional love and support to her children.

Sonja had a rich and varied career, including fascinating work in researching brain activity with spider monkeys. She enjoyed traveling, decorating her home, and reading.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, James Gorrell Watson and Bannie Sharpe Watson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Stephen Arthur Straughan; her brother, Lloyd Ross Watson, and his wife Charlene Watson; her brother-in-law Daniel Straughan and his wife Juana Straughan; her son Erik Watson Straughan; her daughter Stephanie Nicole Foshee and son-in-law Robert Todd Foshee; and her beloved grandchildren, Avery Foshee, Addison Foshee, Emma Straughan, and Stephen Straughan.

Sonja's warmth, kindness, and boundless love will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.