Sondra “Soni” Murphy Sutton Jones, 62, of Ocala, Fla., died on Wednesday, March 6, 2002 in Ocala. She was in her usual health, but became suddenly ill during the evening and was rushed by ambulance to the Ocala Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Known as “Soni” to many friends, she was born in Huttonsville on June 6, 1939, a daughter of the late Russell D. and Kathleen Phares Murphy. She was raised in Elkins and resided there for most of her life.
On April 23, 1983, she married Bill Jones, who survives in Ocala. Also surviving are one daughter, Cathy Sutton Shipman, wife of Ed Shipman, and two grandsons, Mitch and Jason, all of Riverview, Florida. She is also survived by one brother, Gary Murphy, and one sister, Shari (Sharon Murphy) Mahan, both of Ocala.
Mrs. Jones was a member of Downtown Baptist Church in Ocala. She attended the Elkins public schools and graduated from Elkins High School and Davis & Elkins College with a bachelor of science degree in sociology.
While at Elkins High School, she was very active in student body activities, and most notable were her selection as May Queen and participation as a majorette in the Elkins High School band. Her picture with the band, marching in Winchester, Va., during 1956-57, appeared in “A Treasury of the Saturday Evening Post.”
A memorial service is planned in Ocala, Fla., at the Downtown Baptist Church for Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. The Rev. Tracy Willis will officiate. Interment will be in Mountain State Memorial Gardens in the early summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Downtown Baptist Church, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Fla. 34470.
