Sonda P. Laporte

Sonda Pearl LaPorte, 71, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 2:55 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at home.

Sonda was born November 30, 1952 in Lubbock, Texas, the daughter of Charles Earl and Barbara Hannah (Johnson) James. Sonda graduated from Galesburg High School and went on to attend Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, graduating in 1974. She went on to take some additional classes at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, Florida. Sonda returned to Galesburg and worked as the church secretary at Prairieland Baptist Church in Galesburg for 23 years, retiring in 1997.

Sonda met Steven L. LaPorte and they were married on February 8, 1985 at Prairieland Baptist Church in Galesburg. Steve survives of Galesburg; as does one niece, Elana (Jason) Fernandez of Pekin, Illinois; two nephews, Clint James of Morton, Illinois and Dusty (Ashley) James of Galesburg; a stepson, Christopher (Charlene) LaPorte of Peoria, Illinois; one stepdaughter, Elizabeth LaPorte of Galesburg; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a stepbrother, Mike Shepherd of Galesburg. Sonda was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Fred Shepherd; Stepson, Timothy LaPorte, brother Charles James; stepbrother, Dan Shepherd; and niece, Mandy Robb.

Sonda was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs, an active member of New Life Baptist Church, and was an avid reader and creator of crafts. She also provided a heartfelt service for many years as an interpreter for the deaf. Sonda loved traveling and enjoyed the beauty and relaxation of Hawaii the most.

Memorial visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024 at New Life Baptist Church, Galesburg, with memorial services following at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Darrell Grimm will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to New Life Baptist Church, 1232 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, IL 61401.