Life Story

There are some souls who seem made of sunlight, the ones who walk into a room and suddenly, everything feels lighter. Sonja Rice was one of those souls.

Sonja was born on August 31, 1971, in Philadelphia, PA, to Sonja and Arthur Rice Sr. She attended Philadelphia schools, graduating from William Penn High School. Passionate about caring for others, Sonja devoted herself to phlebotomy, touching countless lives through her work and presence.

Full of life and laughter, she didn't just live—she shined.

Her spirit was magnetic, her smile contagious, and her heart as open as the sky. Whether cracking a joke, dancing like nobody was watching, or lifting someone's mood with kind words, she reminded everyone that joy exists.

Sonja was the life of the party—not because she needed the spotlight, but because she was the light. Her energy made ordinary moments extraordinary, and her presence turned gatherings into lasting memories.

She cherished her family and friends fiercely, creating memories that will echo for a lifetime: late-night conversations, belly laughs, long hugs, and all the little moments that stitched love into ordinary days.

Though she's no longer here in body, her spirit dances on in our stories, our laughter, and in every room she ever brightened.

Sonja is survived by her beloved mother, Sonja Rice; son, Jamire Rice; niece, Mya Allen; nephew, Amari Rice; sister, Alicia Allen; brothers, Arthur Rice Jr., Kelvin Odom, and Jerome Allen; cousin (more like a sister), Denise Hoggard; sister-in-love, Donya Weldon; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a circle of friends who will never stop celebrating her beautiful soul.

Forever the life of the party.

Forever our light.

Forever loved.