Sonja Marie Ratliff

Sonja Marie Johnson Ratliff October 23, 1966-October 3, 2026

Sonja Marie Johnson Ratliff of Kingsport, Tennessee, aged 59 passed away peacefully on Saturday October 3, 2026, at Wexford House surrounded by her loving family as she met Jesus face to face. No more suffering. Completely healed.

A beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, niece, and friend. Sonja was known for her fun loving, outgoing personality and loved her family dearly. Sonja worked as manager of Burger King Stone Drive for many years and in the medical field (dental and medical.) Sonja worked with her cousin, Amy at Downtown flowers, where she learned to arrange flowers. Countless hours of work and fun. Sonja was a member of Gravelly Baptist Church where she was heavily involved with the children’s music ministry, and VBS music. Sonja also enjoyed being in Christian theatre plays at Lamplight Theatre for many years at the Fall Branch location. She also loved working in her yard. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Sonja was preceded in death by her grandparents, John & Ina Trent of Kingsport, and Arlie & Pearl Johnson, of Bristol, Tennessee; her father Randall Gene Johnson, Sr. of Bristol.

Sonja is survived by her mother, Doris Trent Johnson, brother Randy Johnson (Gail); sister, Cindy Ward (Eugene); children, Angela Mann and Jessicia Shaffer (Justin), grandchildren Isabella, Aiden and Tyler Mann and Addison, Allison and Ava Shaffer; several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles; and special friend Daran Nottingham.

The family will receive friends from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Gravelly Baptist Church 647 Gravely Rd. Kingsport, TN. A celebration of life service will follow with Pastor David Salley and Pastor Stephen Keene officiating.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11am on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Hamlett Dobson Memorial Park Blountville, TN. Pallbearers will be Aidan & Tyler Mann, Houston & Levi Ward, Matt Johnson, Justin Shaffer, Cooper Wyatt, and Zack Roberts. Honorary pall bearers John W. Trent, Jr., John W. Trent, Charles Phillips, J.T. Roberts, Jason Roberts & Eugene Ward. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50am.

A special thanks to the staff of Wexford House and Amedisys for the wonderful care and love shown to Sonja during her illness. Also, to special friend Edna Potts who ministered to Sonja on a regular basis; and many others who showered us with love.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Ratliff family.