Sonja Marlene (Akins) Hill

Sonja Marlene Hill, age 83, of Petoskey, Michigan went home to be with Jesus at McLaren Northern Michigan on November 16, 2023.

Sonja was born to James O. and Lillian (Rives) Akins on January 1, 1940 in Hickman, Kentucky. She had two brothers, David and Ernest, and many aunts, uncles and cousins with whom she was very close. Her family moved to Jackson, Michigan when she was a child, attended school there, and graduated from Jackson High School in 1958. After marriage and raising a family, she went back to school at North Central Michigan College and Spring Arbor University to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a teacher.

In 1959, she married her former husband, John L. Hill, going on to have two daughters. One of her most treasured roles in life was as a Gramma – she loved to tell each of them they were her “favorite.”

Sonja’s relationship with Jesus was the most important part of her life and she shared that devotion and love with the church families of Family of Christ Church and Harbor Light Community Chapel. Part of her commitment to her faith was to educate young people at Harbor Light Christian School which was her most beloved accomplishment.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Dawson of Petoskey and Kate (Neil) Britton of Petoskey; grandchildren, Michael Britton, Elizabeth (Joshua) Walker, Abigail and Emily Dawson; great-granddaughter Nora Walker; and cousins Willy, James, Harold, and Katrine; Michele and Michae; Kenneth and Patty; and Butch and Scott.

She is preceded in death by her former husband, John Hill, her parents James Akins and Lillian DuBois, sibling David Akins; aunts Beryl, S.T., Nortie, Wanda; uncles Ilar and Byron; and cousin Mark.

A celebration of her life will be held on November 22, 2023 with a visitation from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM and service immediately following at Family of Christ Church, 2275 Resort Pike Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770. A luncheon will be served after the service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made in her name to Harbor Light Christian School, 8333 Clayton Rd, Harbor Springs, Mi 49740.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc.

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