Sonya Nell Hargis Knowles entered her Heavenly home on May 7th, 2022, at home surrounded by family and those who loved her. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is healed and has been reunited with many loved ones and friends she has missed for so long.
Sonya was born September 2, 1936, to John and Lillie Colvin Hargis of Eagle Lake, AR. She is preceded in death by her husband and soulmate of 44 years Claude Knowles, brother Bailey Mack Hargis, sister Arlie June Hargis, one granddaughter Suzette Huitt, two infant brothers, and her parents.
Sonya attended school at Eagle Lake and later transferred to Hermitage School District where she graduated. She was a member of the Hermitage United Methodist Church where she served on the church finance and parsonage committee.
Sonya was a bookkeeper at the Hermitage Tomato Market and Secretary to the Mayor for the City of Hermitage until retirement. She and Claude was poultry and cattle farmers who was awarded Bradley County Farm Family of The Year in 1985. They received the Outstanding Broiler Producer of the Year award from Tyson Foods multiple times over their years of being poultry producers.
Sonya was an avid gardener who loved spending time outside in her beautifully manicured yard that only she was allowed to mow, while she was able, and tending to her beautiful flowers as well as a garden where she and Claude grew a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. They were always sharing the produce with friends and church family.
Sonya loved her family, her life, and she lived it fully. She enjoyed cooking and baking where she was happiest when she had occasions to cook and have her children and family over. There were always more desserts than was needed because they were her favorite. She never forgot a birthday and always made our birthdays special by making our favorite cake or pie. Another love and passion were her Arkansas Razorbacks. It didn’t matter the sport, if the Razorbacks were playing, she was going to be watching.
Survivors include her son John Ferguson and spouse Melody, Hermitage, AR, and Greg Knowles, Hot Springs, AR. Daughters Gaylon Marcantel and spouse Ray, Hermitage, AR, Cherrie Huitt, Arkadelphia, AR, Susan Wooten, Italy, TX, Jane Arnold, Conway, AR, Mary Knowles, Hot Springs, AR. Sisters Joann White and spouse Royce, Springdale, AR and Twila Whiteley, Berryville, AR, and a sister in love Anita Stuard and spouse Don, of Deer, AR. 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Heath Reep, Tera McDougald, and Melanie McNeely of Mainline Health Systems. The Bradley County Home Health agency, April Brown and Elizabeth Jones with Life Touch Hospice Agency, and special care givers Daphne Hargis, Lynn Hearnsberger, and Johnna McMurry.
Donations preferred to Hermitage United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Association in her memory.
Funeral service was Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 10 am in Frazer’s Chapel with Bro. John Hamaker and Bro. Marty Reep officiating. Burial was in Adams Singer Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Travis Ferguson, Dylan Ferguson, Scott Roberts, David Gorman, Brandon Gorman, John Kidwell, and an honorary pallbearer was Chris Roberts.
