Sonja Lynette Fullen, 56, formerly of Beckley and So. Charleston, W.Va., departed this life on Friday, July 2, 2010, at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC. Throughout her long, courageous battle with cancer, her faith was steadfast and unmovable. Sonja, affectionately known to some as “Sonnie” and “Doll” to others and family, was born on May 7, 1954, in Glen Rogers, W.Va., to the late Zida Elizabeth Fullen. During her illness, she resided in Bowie, Md., with two of her sisters. Sonja graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1972. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State College in 1976 and a Master of Arts degree from WV College of Graduate Studies, subsequently. From 1977 until 2008, Sonja was employed at the Charleston Job Corps Center. During her tenure at Job Corps, she held various titles and was instrumental in initiating a myriad of programs. At the time of her retirement, she was Director of Social Services. As a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Charleston, Sonja was a member of the Newsome Gospel Chorus, Lena B. Rice Sunday School, Youth Ministry Director, and Director of Spirit of Praise Dance Ministry. Additionally, she was a member of Charleston-Institute Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and American Business Women’s Association. While residing in Bowie, Sonja attended Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, Md.; and she became a member of Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Sonja had a passionate love for reading; especially, romance novels and the Bible. She was also a creative writer who wrote songs and poems. In March 2003, Sonja wrote and published her first gospel CD entitled “Songs of Faith---First Movement.” Preceded in death by her mother Zida E. Fullen and her nephew Christopher J. Fullen, Sonja is survived by her four sisters, Shelia O. Wallington of Beckley, C. Renee Fullen of Bowie, Deborah A. Fullen of Detroit, Mich., and Ardith C. Fullen of Bowie; one brother, Marcus T. Fullen of Beckley; one niece, Letitia L. Wallington of Beckley; three nephews, Richard L. Wallington of St. Albans, W.Va., Brian (Teresa) “KiKo” Wallington of Beckley and Brad Ford of Bowie; three great-nieces, Ashley J. Fortson and Sharise L. Wallington of Beckley, and Bre’Nae Ford of Bowie; two great-nephews, Cameron T. Wallington and Jaylen K. Wallington of Beckley; two great-great nieces, Zion and A’Arihana Fortson of Beckley; two aunts, Alberta Singley of Las Vegas, Nev., and Annie Mae Reynolds of Detroit, Mich., and a host of cousins and friends. Service will be 12 noon, Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the First Baptist Church of Charleston, 432 Shrewsbury St., with the Pastor Paul A. Dunn officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, with the Delta Sigma Theta ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson @suddenlinkmail.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley