Sonya-Marie H. Morley, formerly Hooker, 48, of Pittsburgh, PA, suddenly embarked on her heavenly journey on February 2, 2024, after a life as vibrant and heartfelt as the stories she so loved in old time radio shows. Born in Bethesda, MD, on November 17, 1975, and raised in Washington, DC, she charted a path that was anything but ordinary. Sonya was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, grandchild, niece and friend. She was tragically taken from us much too soon.

Leaving behind her husband Nathaniel Morley, father Tyrone Hooker, brother Dontrell Duvall, sister Rongalyn Edwards, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws that loved her dearly. Her feline companions, Napoleon and Gypsy, will miss her warm lap and gentle touch. She joins in eternal rest her mother Cynthia Williams, her grandparents, Aunts Rita Grays, Geraldine Seymore and Esther Street and her furry angels Nala and Chenoa. She is now reunited with her and Nathaniel’s sons, Nathaniel Jr. (2008) and Baby Boy Morley (2010).

Sonya's life was a series of well-crafted chapters, from her studious days at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, DC ('93) and the George Washington University ('98, BA in English), to answering a higher calling with a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (’20). Her career was a testament to her versatility – from the calculative world of finance to the nurturing realms of social services. But it was the pulpit and pews where Sonya truly shone, ministering with an open heart and soulful joy at various churches, and most recently as the Children's Ministry Director for the Korean United Presbyterian Church in Ross Twp, PA.

Sonya-Marie leaves a legacy of laughter, love, and encouragement. She was always quick with a word of inspiration for anyone she came across that needed it, whether she knew them or not. Sonya had a knack for always finding the right words to help people feel encouraged. Her ability to talk to people was paralleled only by her writing skills. Anyone who has read an email from Sonya could clearly see the brilliant writer she was. “I hope this email finds you well…” She showcased those skills as a freelance journalist for the New Pittsburgh Courier for several years and had several above the fold, front page stories published. Sonya was also a charter member of the Omicron Epsilon chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc, at the George Washington University.

Sonya had a huge heart and wanted to help as many people as she could. She stood up for social justice issues, large and small. Her helping spirit continued even in death through organ donation. Her liver offered new hope to a 38-year-old woman. Her kidneys offered promise to a 62-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman. Being an organ donor was very important to Sonya.

An ardent fan of the NFL, a connoisseur of spine-tingling scary movies, a lover of music and an enthusiast of old time radio shows, Sonya knew how to blend faith with fun. She was a longtime active member and ordained deacon at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh and often attended Blandonia Presbyterian Church in Sanford, NC, where the hymns were surely sweeter when she raised her voice. Sonya had the honor of preaching at both churches over the past several years. One member of ELPC who is a retired pastor once commented that one of Sonya’s sermons at the church was “the best” he had ever heard.

A celebration of Sonya-Marie's story will be held on May 19, 2024 at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15207, where tales of her kindness and spirit will be shared with the same gusto she lived her life. A memorial service will begin at 130 PM, however, please arrive by 115 PM as an Omega Rho ceremony will be performed prior to the service by her sorority sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho. There will be a live-stream option for the memorial service, https://www.youtube.com/@East… or https://www.facebook.com/East…. A celebration of life in the church social hall will follow the memorial service and will include food and grooving to some of Sonya’s favorite music. She always said she wanted people to have a party for her when she passed away, so we will be honoring that request. Please feel free to dress in casual to business casual attire for both events.

In a fitting tribute to a life spent uplifting others, donations in her memory can be made to the Trinity Youth Conference (http://trinityyouthconference…) – because Sonya believed in investing in the future, and what better investment than our youth. Sonya served in several capacities at TYC for several years, including as the first Black female worship leader. Please note in your donation that this is in memorium of Sonya-Marie Morley.  Flowers are also appreciated and can be sent to East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

The D'Alessandro funeral home of Pittsburgh, PA, is overseeing the final arrangements, ensuring that even in her departure, Sonya is handled with the care and attention she so richly deserves.

While she will be dearly missed by so many, here's to Sonya-Marie: a woman who never just 'hooked' you with her charisma, she reeled you in with love and kept you in the net of her boundless energy. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. One only need be in a room full of people and hear that laugh to know Sonya was present. Her story may have reached its final chapter, but her influence will be felt in countless sequels.

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