Sonja Lynn Carlson, age 73, of Knoxville, Tennessee, entered Heaven’s gates peacefully from her home, surrounded by family on March 21, 2025.

She was born Sonja Lynn Vincent on October 7, 1951, the third of four children. So ready to meet this world, Sonja was delivered by her father on the way to the hospital, traveling over Premier Mountain in West Virginia.

Miss Sonja Lynn Vincent became the bride of Peter Kirby Carlson on October 23, 1971, in Buckhannon, WV. She was a graduate of Buckhannon-Upsher Highschool with the class of 1969. She further attended Fairmont State College and West Virginia Wesleyan College, before being awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College.

Sonja was a long-time member of Trinity Chapel, then New Covenant Fellowship Church and later Ridgedale Baptist Church. Her faith in God was strong and she spent time with Him daily. She was an avid reader, loved working puzzles and enjoyed decorating and entertaining during her favorite holiday, Christmas.

Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, knitting, crafting, cooking new recipes, and spending time outdoors, planting flowers and enjoying God’s creation. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fonzo “Junior” Vincent and Pearl Smith, and her brother, David Vincent, all of Buckhannon, WV.

She is survived by her devoted and loving children, Lora McCarter with husband, Jason McCarter and Benjamin Carlson with wife, Jessica Carlson, all of Knoxville, TN; her three grandchildren, who adored their Nana, Noah McCarter, Ella McCarter and Crew Carlson, all of Knoxville, TN; her sisters, Sandra Vincent, of Sutton, WV, and Nancy Sanders with husband, Jim Sanders, of Mount Clare, WV; her sister-in-law, Vicki Vincent, of Buckhannon, WV; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends, scattered all over the country, who she cared about deeply and kept up with daily.

She was known to all as a Godly woman and a kind and faithful friend. She took great pride in her children and doted on her grandchildren every chance she could. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Sonja had a special love and compassion for her animals, who were family members, more than pets.

Her earthly life was, like her, full of love and she made this world a little brighter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Young-Williams Animal Center. The family will host a Celebration of Life in her honor in Knoxville, TN, on the Saturday of Easter weekend.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.