Sonja Carole (Lanier) Hanchey

Sonja Carole Lanier Hanchey, age 82, of Wallace, North Carolina passed away early Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025 at her home.

She was born February 22, 1943, in Duplin County; the daughter of the late John Edward and Hazel Madeline Sholar Lanier. Mrs. Hanchey was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years William Gerald Hanchey.

Mrs. Hanchey was in the first graduating class of Practical Nursing – LPN at James Sprunt Community College. She received her RN in 1973. She proudly began her career in the hospital caring for the needs of others.  She was a long-time dedicated member of Northeast Free Will Baptist Church.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughter, Deanna Hanchey and fiancé Gregg Blanchard; her son, Edward Jerald Hanchey and wife, Tracie, all of Wallace; grandchildren,  Kora Hanchey, Heather Cole and husband, Tommie, and Jonathan English and wife, Danielle; great grandchildren, Grayson English, Wyatt English, Keegan English, Brody Cole, and Kynsley  Cole; sister Glenda Scronce of Wallace; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved Sonja dearly.

Sonja was a loving wife and caring mother, grandmother and sister.  She was a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace; and to those who knew her, “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.”  Sonja was always a busy woman caring for her family and taking care of sick people, still she found time to serve her church and community.  With a big heart and love for people, Sonja taught Allied Heath Science and was very involved with HOSA.  While teaching she developed special relationships with her students.  She loved to travel, and her favorite trip was to Israel where she was baptized in the Jordan River.  Sonja loved flowers, crocheting and cross stitching.  Most of all, she loved the Lord and although she will be truly missed, her family and friends are glad to know she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral service will be held at Northeast PFWB Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 18, 2025, with her pastor Reverend Kevin Peterson officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC.

The family gives special thanks to Ms.Tarell Teachey, Ms. Linda Lanier, Ms. Pam Cole and the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the love and great care you gave to Sonja during her illness. 

Memorial donations may be given in memory of Sonja Hanchey to Northeast PFWB Church, 4910 NC-41, Wallace, NC 28466.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above. 

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC

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