Sonya Ann McLemore

Sonya Ann McLemore was born on March 20, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio, to Lawerance McLemore Sr. and Delores Stark. She passed away on August 26, 2026.

Sonya was raised in Jefferson Township by her father and mother, Betty McLemore (Waller). She attended Jefferson Township High School and graduated in 1980. During high school, Sonya was actively involved in the arts and crafts club and the marching band, where she played the flute. She also participated in track and field.

Following graduation, Sonya attended The Ohio State University, where she studied veterinary medicine. She later made her home in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) as a delivery driver and shift supervisor for seven years. During that time, she also operated a residential and commercial cleaning business.

In 2001, Sonya returned to her hometown of Dayton with her three children. She began working for Appleton Paper Company and became a member of United Steelworkers Union Local 266. She remained there until her medical retirement in 2010.

Sonya’s greatest joy in life was spending time with and raising her children. She was a devoted and active sports mom who deeply cherished family gatherings and loved watching Ohio State football. Affectionately known as “Auntie Piggy” by her many nieces and nephews, Sonya was also known for her love of animals, especially butterflies, which were reflected in the Ohio State and butterfly décor throughout her home. After becoming a grandmother, she found great happiness in traveling across the United States to visit and help care for her grandchildren, Cameron and Caia.

Sonya was preceded in death by her father, Lawerance McLemore Sr.; her mother, Delores Stark; and her sisters, Karen McLemore and Sharon (“Sherry”) McLemore-See.

Her legacy lives on through her children, Andre Ely, Simone Gholston, and Courtney Gholston; and her grandchildren, Caia Moore and Cameron Ely. She is also survived by her mother, Betty McLemore; her sister, Tonya McLemore; and her brothers, Lawerance McLemore Jr. (Candace), Rocky Stark Sr., and Lamar McLemore (Darcy). In addition, she leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews: Shanya McLemore, Christopher McLemore (Aarion), La’Shawn McLemore, Jasmine Mobley (Mario), Perry Humphrey Jr., Avery Murnen, Chataune McLemore, India McLemore, Jordan McLemore, William McLemore, Marquel Smith, and Rocky Stark Jr., as well as a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.