Sonya Fluellen

Reflections of a Beautiful Jewel

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.

~ Jeremiah 1:5

In a world where wars raged in Vietnam and the Middle East, where riots and looting exploded in American cities, Sonya Juliette Wilcox, a beautiful soul who sowed peace, harmony, joy, faith, and love, was born to Charles and Mildred Hill Wilcox on July 12, 1967. Her cousins Clarice, Margie, Jean, and Joan were given the inestimable honor of naming her. From her very first breath, she was the apple of her parents' eye and a joy to her extended family.

You shall teach them [GOD's commands, decrees, and laws] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

~ Deuteronomy 6:7

Affectionately called Julie by her family and childhood friends, she enjoyed Sunday school and its lessons. From her earliest childhood, she was taken to church, most notably Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church. If the doors were open, she could found inside, whether it was Sunday school, Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.), Bible study, prayer meeting, Youth Choir, or worship service. She confessed Christ, was baptized at Mount Calvary, and clung to Christian precepts all the days of her life.

My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction.

~ Proverbs 1:8 (NLT)

Julie attended the public schools of Jeff Davis, excelling in academics and athletics. She graduated with honor as a member of the Class of 1985. She furthered her education at Fort Valley State University, where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Beta Chapter. Graduating with honor in 1989, Julie earned a degree in biology. Julie would later earn a Masters degree from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches LA and an Education Specialist degree from Argosy University, Sarasota FL.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to GOD the Father through Him.

~Colossians 3:17

Julie began her professional career as an educator in the Coffee County School System of Douglas Georgia. She continued to teach in Louisiana, Florida, Missouri, Hawaii, Thomasville, Georgia, and Augusta, Georgia. In the classroom, she was innovative, compelling, dedicated, patient, and caring. Students, whom others had given up on, flourished under her guidance and teaching. Generous to a fault, she was quick to share techniques and tips without having the least desire to receive any credit for doing so.

So, they are no long two, but one flesh. Therefore, what GOD has joined together, let no one separate.

~ Matthew 19:6

Julie married her college sweetheart, Watson Fluellen Jr, on December 18, 1991. Their union was blessed with three children: Michelle Selena, Watson III, and Bryan Charles. As a military wife, she traveled to many places in loving support of her husband. Together, they raised their children with the same principles and precepts they both were taught.

Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives.

~ Proverbs 31:11-12

Julie was a wonderful homemaker, a stellar cook, and a marvelous mother. She was totally devoted to her family and ensured that their every need was met. An intrepid culinary artist, she would whip up delicious meals, both new and old cuisine, including lamb chops, Chilean sea bass, collard greens, potato salad, and other delicacies. She was the ideal help-meet who kept an immaculate well-decorated home, a well-stocked pantry, and a welcome mat for her loved ones.

How good and pleasant it is when GOD's people live together in unity.

~ Psalm 133:1

Ever loyal to her coterie of family and friends, Julie was the personification of generosity, compassion, tender-heartedness,  and courtesy. Her circle of love constantly expanded to include her co-workers, fellow church members, neighbors, and anyone in need. Giving was not an abstract notion with Julie; rather, she practiced giving on a daily basis. When she saw someone in need, she refused to scandalize that person's name. Instead, she made it her business to discover how she could help someone along her life's journey. Never did she give the crumbs from her table; no, she gave the entire loaf freshly baked and full of goodness.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

~ Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Julie entered the presence of The Lord on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Doctor's Hospital of Augusta, Georgia, in the presence of her devoted husband and loving family. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Mildred Hill Wilcox; her paternal grandparents: Minister Dewey and Mother Sudie Burney Wilcox; her maternal grandparents: Deacon Eschol and Mother Onie Strong Hill; and her father-in-law, Watson Fluellen, Sr.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

~Lamentations 3:32

Left to cherish the precious memory and to uphold the unfinished legacy of Sonya Juliette Wilcox Fluellen are her husband of thirty years, Watson Fluellen II of Grovetown, GA; her daughter, Michelle Fluellen Boyd and her husband, Kaelan Boyd, of Charlotte, NC; her two sons: Watson Fluellen III and Bryan Charles Fluellen, both of Grovetown, GA; her father, Charles Wilcox of Hazlehurst, GA; her mother-in-law, Surena Ingram Fluellen of Warner Robins, GA; her sisters-in-law: Demetria Parker of Warner Robins, GA and LaTisha (Ato) Crumbly of Newnan, GA; three uncles: John Edward (Mary) Hill of Atlanta, GA, Robert E. (Phyllis) Hill of Hazlehurst, GA, and Dr. Glenwood F. (Betty) Hill of Fort Valley, GA; one aunt, Helen Hill of Hazlehurst, GA; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.