Sonya Michelle Rutherford, 51, of Vinemont passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024, at her residence. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Old Town Creek Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 4:00 PM on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Old Town Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Brandon Kerby and Bro. Neil Carter officiating and Lawrence Funeral Home directing. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery.
Born on July 8, 1972, to Jerry and Peggy Blaxton Appleton, Sonya enjoyed flowers, drag-racing with her husband, traveling, shopping at the Three Bears in Pigeon Forge, being a servant to others, forcing her family to take pictures, and most of all spending time with her family and close friends.
Sonya was a very active member at Old Town Creek Baptist Church. She was very passionate in assisting the youth and teaching her team kid classes. Sonya was also a member of the choir, and leader of the outreach committee at church. Sonya thoroughly enjoyed her position as the Indian Education teacher for Lawrence County. She also was a member of the Alabama State Partners in Disability policymaking. Sonya was also involved in county events such as COTS, Veterans Benefit Car Show, and the Strawberry
Festival.
Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Chris Rutherford; mother, Peggy Appleton; honorary daughter, Zoey McMahon; fur babies, Socket, Buddy, and Little Bit; one sister, Chasitie “Chasie” (Matt Pierce) Appleton; one niece, Jessica Rutherford; two nephews, Clay and Cody Wilson; and several extended family members.
Sonya was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Appleton; two sons, Holden Rutherford and Zachery Rutherford; father-in-law, Timothy Rutherford; grandfather, Hesley Blaxton.
Pallbearers will be Chris Rutherford, Matt Pierce, Cody Wilson, Stacy Wilson, Jordan Posey, and Chad Appleton.
The family extends special thanks to CCI Cancer Institute in Huntsville and Affinity Hospice for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Frist Priority of Decatur or Gideons International in Sonya’s honor.
