My Aunt was moving from Brooklyn, NY to South Florida. She moved simply because her Mother asked her too. My Grandmother said “I need you here.” And just like that my Aunt gave up her life, and moved without hesitation. What a self-sacrificing spirit and what pure love she had for her mother. My Uncle, her brother, and I flew up there and drove back with her and her Oldsmobile in tow. When we arrived my Uncle looked at the car as if it wasn’t going to make the trip. My Aunt said, knowing what he was thinking, “don’t worry Betsy WILL make it!” Of course she did! On the two day journey, it was cold and fun. We had funny times, some scary ones and most importantly memorable ones. Memories of my Aunt jamming to the latest R&B hits and knowing all of the words. Which didn’t surprise me. She was always with it! Always involved!  I remember on the way down to Florida we needed to reheat the food we were given. We couldn’t find a microwave so my Aunt and Uncle came up with the idea to warm up the food on the car’s engine. It worked. Or when we stopped in some rural town to get gas and they only had “Leaded gas”. Or when I went inside a store and came out and the car was gone. I thought they left me in some town. They were hiding watching my reaction the whole time.  I was furious and told them I was going to tell on them. They laughed, until I told them “I’m telling Grandma.” Then the laughter stopped. Lol. 😂 

My deepest condolences to the family of LaSonja Manly. 💗

Sister Manly had a quiet dignity, a warm smile and encouraging words to share.  She never complained but always sought to upbuilding and refresh others. She graciously exemplified the words, “look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others”. Philippians 2:4.

I’m looking forward to receiving some bowling lessons from sister LaSonja in the very near future . 🙂

Our deepest condolences to the Manly family.  We look forward to welcoming her back in excellent health.

Conrad, Daphne & Nigel Cover

There are no words to truly express how one feels when someone as special and loving and kind and warm and unselfish as Sister Manly goes away, even if it is just for a while. The loss felt is tangible with only memories to console, for now. So together, we remember. Until we are reunited, as our God Jehovah has promised and she completely without fail believed, we, I, will remember her smile, that came easy and humor that included all, that warm compassionate love she has that enveloped you while in her presence, her wise words of caution or discernment, depending on the situation and her unassuming personality. 

May all who had the privilege of knowing and loving Sister Manly find comfort in knowing that she is simply asleep now, faithfully awaiting to be awakened when Our Father calls. 

My condolences to LaSonja's (Auntie) family. I was searching for warmth and love and when I first met her at the 19th stree Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses I instantly knew this was what I was looking for.  We immediately formed a bond that I will treasure forever. Auntie Sonja would often sit in on my Bible study which she played a big role in helping me to grasp the truth and make it my own. She taught me how to dig into the truth, how to do research and how to make sense of it. She also shared some life experiences with me and and was always ready to listen and offer soiritual advise when I needed it. It was so encouraging each time she would send me a text starting :  "Hello my dear sweet niecey" and such delight (Matt 10:29,30)

Auntie would always encourage me to continue serving Jehovah no matter what comes my way.

We both love butterflies and hearts and kisses so we give that to each other daily. 🦋❤️😘

Then comes a time when she would say her bones cracking so we make jokes you're not old, you're crispy  😆.

I love how her beautiful platinum silver gray hair always shimmers and at one point she had that highlight of purple and I thought thats how you age gracefully.

We often talk about the new system and how we would live close to each other, what we will be doing as hobbies. So now my dear Auntie will sleep on - lay in Jehovah's memory. She ran the race then took the underground tunnel to the new system, sleep until Jehovah says your name. I will be there with her family to welcome her back and to catch her up with what happened while she was sleeping. 

To her beautiful family and friends - may Jehovah's peace be with you during this time and always. 

I Love you ❤️ 

Sian 

Kind and caring, sweet and loving!

Sonja is always enquiring about your welfare; following up with some kind words of encouragement.

Any interaction with her, leaves you feeling lighter, brighter, and better about yourself or your situation.

Sonja touched the hearts of many, and will be missed by all.

My sincere sympathy and condolences to LaSonja's family.   

Even in my ignorance, she was so dear to me.  I first met LaSonja when  I attended a wedding along with my sister,  who was her coworker.   She quickly became a part of my life for the next three years.   She was absolutely in my eyes a gorgeous woman with those irresistible eyes, with such a calm and caring heart:  excellent qualities that I didn’t initially recognize.  At the time I was young and foolish to appreciate her indelible and uncommon qualities that has characterized her life, echoed by so many that have had the privilege to have known her.  She was indeed a very special woman, that I most certainly had the opportunity and privilege to have met and known!  Love you, Chee Chee!