April 5, 1959 – August 3, 2024

A memorial service for Sonja will be held Thursday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church. You may pay your respects to the family beginning at 10 a.m. A small graveside service will follow. Riverwood Family is in charge of arrangements.

Sonja Marie DeWitt Grayson was born April 5, 1959 to Roscoe and Dixie DeWitt. Joining her older brother, Tommy, their family was complete. Born with grace and an extra dose of grit, there was never a question if a task would be completed, if Sonja was involved, she always gave her best with every endeavor she encountered. Sonja’s philosophy was to do a job that would make everyone, including yourself, proud.

In her early years, throughout college, and on into adulthood, Sonja was known for her outstanding athleticism. Whether on a softball field or the court of a gymnasium, Sonja was in her element and her talent shined. Sonja came to know Christ as a young girl, and even through the troubles and trials of life, she would return to seek the love and guidance of her Savior.

Sonja married Randy L. Grayson, Sr. on April 2, 1988. With their union, Sonja was blessed with Kristen, Randy Jr., and Brandy and she became “Mama Sonja”. Years later their family would be complete when Randy and Sonja’s son, Jordan DeWitt Grayson was born. At this time, Sonja would add the title of “Mama” to her ever-growing list, but this title was one she was beyond proud of. During her adult years, Sonja could be found in her community serving others. Whether it was coaching a ball team, serving through different avenues with her church family, or simply helping others; Sonja could be found exhibiting what it was to truly be the hands and feet of Christ.

Anyone that knew Sonja, knew three things about her. First, she was a true Ole Miss Rebel- through and through. Secondly, family was everything to Sonja. She stated on multiple occasions, “if you don’t have family, you don’t have anything”. This was evident in Sonja’s life as she was fiercely close to her cousins, so much that she was known as “Aunt Sonja” to all their children. Later in life, Sonja gained yet another title, “MawMaw”. This was by far her favorite title to date. Lastly, of all the titles she held- Mama, MawMaw, Rebel fan, Aunt, Sister, Cousin, Friend- there was one that she still held closest to her heart. Sonja was a child of God and she was quick to share her story with others. A story with a few bumps in the road, and even a few wrong turns; She was always fast to share her redemption story-one she credited her one and only Savior.

On August 3, 2024, Sonja was called into Glory, surrounded by her family at her own piece of Heaven on Earth- a small farm in Beat 3 she called home. While our hearts ache, we rejoice in the promise that she was greeted by Jesus and all the loved ones that went before her as well as the reassurance we will see her again one day.

Sonja DeWitt Grayson was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Dixie DeWitt, and her brother, Tommy DeWitt.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Randy Grayson Sr., her son, Jordan Grayson (Lindsey), stepchildren: Kristen Ready (Derek), Randy Grayson Jr., and Brandy Carney (Corey), 10 grandchildren, Hendrix Grayson, Myles Grayson, Macy Carney, Rylea Carney, Reagan Carney, Daytin Ready, Adley Ready, Caden Grayson, Claire Grayson, Callie Grayson; 2 great grandchildren, Kohen Grayson, Kollins Grayson and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

“To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.”

 2 Corinthians 5:8

The funeral service for Preston Eugene Jackson will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Jackson, 89, of Brookhaven, died August 1, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Rockford, AL, January 11, 1935, to Almon Dale Jackson and Carrie Giles Jackson.

Mr. Jackson served his country in the United States Navy during the close of the Korean War. After returning home he became a Civil Engineer and worked with the Highway Department until retirement. He was a member of First Baptist Church Brookhaven.

Among Mr. Jackson’s favorite things to do was line dancing. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting or gardening. He will be greatly missed by his family as well as the faith family at First Baptist.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers, Billie Jackson, Dale Jackson, Charles Jackson, Reuben Jackson, and Julian Jackson.

He is survived by his wife of eight years, Mattie Lea Jackson; children, Donald Jackson (Melissa), David Jackson (Becky), Dalina Jackson Kelley (Randall); seven grandchildren, Amber Johnson, Matthew McCain, Mandy Jackson, Adam Jackson, Brittney Boone, Jamie Boone, and Price Jackson. He is also survived by many great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.