Sonja Faye (Sharp) Carrasquillo

Sonja Faye (Sharp) Carrasquillo was born August 2, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Ulysses and Versie Sharp. The family settled in Casa Grande, AZ, where Sonja attended school and spent most of her adult life. Sonja was very creative and had many talents. She attended cosmetology school at a young age, because she enjoyed doing hair and nails - and she was GOOD AT IT! She was also an amazing artist and poet, often making cards for Mother’s day, birthdays and Christmas. The essence of who she was came through in her art. Store bought cards could not compare to those filled with her drawings of beautiful art in bright colors, or lovely poems that would melt your heart. As a young adult, Sonja married and started her family. She was a great mother to five wonderful children, and a loving grandmother of 11 beautiful grandchildren. She had a big heart and shared her love with whoever needed it. Sonja had an open door policy: if you needed to talk, eat, sleep, or just need a listening ear, she was there for you. Sonja was an auntie-sister-friend to everyone around her. It is no surprise that most of Sonja’s career choices were in service to others. She had a natural desire to help people, and did so in every part of her life. As a Domestic Violence Advocate for Against Abuse, Sonja was dedicated to her role, and never missed work. She loved talking with the women in the shelter, and had a special way of putting them at ease. She would also brighten up their space with her artistic creativity - whatever it took to help them see light in a dark place. That’s who and what she was; A shining light. Sonja is survived by her parents, Ulysses (Slim) and Versie (Tiny) Sharp; her husband, Joseph Carrasquillo; 11 grandchildren from her five children, Chaquenta Kelley, Ernest Kelley Jr. who preceded her in death, Cejera Kelley, Imonie Sharp and Jabarrie Kelley. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, who she loved dearly, from her 12 brothers and sisters: Wanda Sharp, Ulysses (Junior) Sharp, Carolyn Sharp, Leonard (Ray) Sharp, Gregory Sharp, Sheila Sharp Daniels, Yolanda Sharp, Ronnell Sharp, Rodney Collins, Wesley Collins, Keith Tucker and Shaneika Sims. Sonja also had a large extended family and many friends, whom she loved like family. We acknowledge you all and love you for loving her. Sonja was adored by her peers, friends and family. We will all hold on to the gifts she left in our hearts.