Sonya "YaYa" Kymberly Robinson

 

​Celebrating the Life of Sonya Jackson Robinson

​March 17, 1966 – September 26, 2026

​Sonya Jackson Robinson, a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, dedicated educator, and faithful servant of God, transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on September 26, 2026. In her final moments, she was surrounded by profound love and serenity, gently departing this earthly life while holding the hand of her beloved husband and lifelong partner, Stephen.

​Born on March 17, 1966, in Washington, D.C., Sonya was the cherished daughter of Evan Douglas Jackson and Ann Carolyn Jackson. From an early age, she radiated warmth, generosity, and a genuine love for others, especially children—a passion that would ultimately shape both her life’s purpose and her calling. Her inquisitive spirit and love of learning emerged early. As a young student, she embraced the opportunity to spend a summer as a foreign exchange student in Caracas, Venezuela. That formative experience broadened her worldview, deepened her appreciation for different cultures, and helped cultivate a lifelong passion for education, exploration, and the beauty of God’s creation.

​On July 30, 1994, Sonya married the love of her life, Stephen Tuhron Robinson, in Maryland. Their love story, spanning more than four decades, was a beautiful testament to unwavering faith, mutual devotion, and shared purpose. Nearly twenty-two years ago, they established their home in Houston, Texas, where their spiritual journey and commitment to ministry continued to flourish.

​Standing faithfully alongside her husband, Sonya served with grace and distinction as First Lady of City of Refuge Church in Houston. Together, they embraced an apostolic calling that extended far beyond their local congregation, helping establish City of Refuge in New Orleans under the leadership of Pastors Dean and Susan Hinton. Sonya’s ministry was marked by quiet strength, spiritual wisdom, genuine compassion, and an open heart. She was her husband’s steadfast supporter, a source of encouragement to their church family, and a welcoming presence to all who sought comfort, counsel, or spiritual refuge.

​For nearly twenty-two years, Sonya dedicated her remarkable gifts, patience, and compassion to the students of Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Most recently serving at Bane Elementary in northwest Houston, she was honored as Teacher of the Year, a fitting recognition of her commitment to educational excellence and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

​Whether guiding her students or raising her sons, Sonya lived by a principle she often shared: “If you don’t have time to do it right, you have time to do it over.” For Sonya, excellence was not simply an expectation; it was a way of life. She challenged those in her care to strive for their very best, while nurturing them with patience, encouragement, and love. Through her teaching, she instilled discipline, confidence, pride, and a lasting sense of self-worth in countless young lives.

​Beyond the classroom and the pulpit, Sonya possessed an adventurous spirit and an extraordinary appreciation for the wonders of the world. A passionate traveler, she explored five of the seven continents, embracing new cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Her journeys carried her from the elegance of Monaco and France to the rich history and beauty of Italy, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates.

​In celebration of her milestone 60th birthday, Sonya created yet another treasured memory, surrounded by loved ones as she sailed the open seas and explored the beauty of Mexico, Belize, and Honduras. It was a joyful reflection of the way she lived—embracing life’s blessings, cherishing meaningful experiences, and finding wonder in every new adventure.

​Yet, of all the roles she embraced and accomplishments she achieved, nothing brought Sonya greater fulfillment than her family.

​Grounded in the biblical truth that children are a heritage from the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward, Sonya embraced motherhood through adoption with intention, courage, and boundless, unconditional love. She welcomed Joshua DeAndre Robinson into her heart and home when he was just three months old and later opened her arms to Christian Jonathan Robinson at the age of six.

​To Sonya, motherhood was both a sacred responsibility and one of God’s greatest gifts. She poured her heart, wisdom, faith, and unwavering dedication into raising her sons to become honorable men of God—men of character, integrity, and purpose who would carry their family name with pride. Her love was fierce, her expectations were high, and her commitment to their well-being was without measure.

​The arrival of her precious grandchildren, Elyzah and Adina, brought Sonya an entirely new dimension of joy. She eagerly anticipated the special moments they would share—sunny afternoons enjoying ice cream, adventures across the world, and countless opportunities to nurture their curiosity and love of learning. Ever the educator, she dreamed of ensuring that their education would be rich, well-rounded, and complete. Though those cherished plans were interrupted far too soon, the love and vision behind them remain an enduring part of her legacy—a sacred commitment Stephen will lovingly carry forward in her honor.

​Sonya leaves a beautiful legacy of faith, love, and cherished memories in the hearts of her devoted husband, Stephen; her loving parents, Evan Douglas Jackson and Ann Carolyn Jackson; her beloved sons, Joshua and Christian; and her precious grandchildren, Elyzah and Adina.

​She will also be lovingly remembered by her brothers, Mark Jackson and Darrell Jackson, with whom she shared the special bond of a birthday; her dear sister-in-law, Akia McNeil, whose faithful presence and tender care brought comfort during her final days; her beloved goddaughter, Shaneka Sanders, and Shaneka’s children, Isaiah and Alexis; and her lifelong best friend, Nicole Tisdale, whose enduring friendship was woven into the fabric of her life’s journey.

​Her legacy extends to a loving village of nieces, nephews, extended family, church brethren, devoted friends, fellow educators, and generations of grateful students whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, encouragement, generosity, and love.

​Sonya Jackson Robinson was a woman of extraordinary elegance, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and abundant grace. She lived with intention, loved without reservation, taught with excellence, and served God with a faithful heart. Her presence was a gift, her wisdom a blessing, and her love a light that will never fade.

​Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the beauty of her life continues in every heart she touched, every child she inspired, every soul she encouraged, and every generation she helped shape.

​Her life was a testimony of faith. Her love was a reflection of God’s grace. Her legacy will live on forever.