Helen Thomas-Sonnier

Dr. Helen (Williams) Thomas-Sonnier, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on May 17, 1948, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Helen lived a life rooted in family and faith, with a deep appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation and a special love for Christmas. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of Georgia and devoted her career to guiding and supporting students and staff in her varied roles as school counselor, assistant principal, county-level positions, and as an adjunct professor at Mercer and Piedmont Universities.

Above all, Helen loved her children and treasured her role as grandmother, affectionately known as “Mammommy” to her grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished family traditions. Whether celebrating Christmas, birthdays, gathering with family and friends, or joining her friends for Bible study and book club, Helen found joy in the moments that brought people together.

Helen will be remembered for the magic she brought to Christmas, holidays, and family celebrations, as well as the kindness and warmth she shared in friendship. Those who knew her will fondly remember her sense of humor, her generosity, and her gift for hospitality that made others feel welcome and loved.

Helen is survived by her husband, Charles Sonnier; her children, Renee Wallace (and her husband Robert), Tiffanie Lifsey (and her husband Jerry), and Johnny Thomas (and his wife Sarah); and her six grandchildren, Jessica, Will, Lauren, Emily, Lindsey, and Annalise. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Edward and Mary Alice Williams.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the memories they shared and the lasting impact she had on the lives of those who loved her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Helen will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cornelia Community House. In a tribute to Helen's extraordinary love of Christmas, family and friends are encouraged to wear Christmas colors and accessories as they gather to celebrate Helen’s life and the joy she brought to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Helen’s memory to the Southeastern Division of Young Life, a Christian outreach organization that played a meaningful role in shaping the faith of Helen, her children, and her grandchildren.