Shirley Lee Mary Griffin Sonbert

Shirley Lee Mary Griffin Sonbert, 88, passed away on December 29th, 2023, in Pfafftown, NC. She was born in Rural Hall on March 30^th, 1935, to the late William Rufus and Hattie Hudson Griffin.

Shirley was always active in crafts and art projects. She treasured all her family above anything else in her life. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her whole life in her later years. Christmas was her favorite time of the year; all her family would come to visit and bring a huge smile on her face.

In addition to her parents, Shirley is also preceded in death by her son, Steven Sonbert and wife Julie Sonbert; her brother, Wallace Griffin; and her sister, Betty Griffin Talley. She leaves behind her children, Michael (Karen) Sonbert, and Timothy (Kim) Sonbert; 9 grandchildren, Dr. Nicole Sonbert, Tracy Rene' Snow, Jessica Sonbert, Stephanie (Brent) Fisher, Brooke Sonbert, Ciearra Sonbert, Avery Sonbert, Arden Sonbert and Sheriden Sonbert; her cherished great grandchildren, Kobe (Victoria) Sonbert, Haley Snow, Noah Snow, Mason Fisher, and Elliott Sonbert; her siblings, Kenneth (Shirley) Griffin, Cleo Willard-Weems, Linda Bennett, Carolyn Sue (Wade) Nelson, M.T.S, and Reverend Donald Griffin; brothers-in-law, Theodore (Barbara) Brindisi and Peter Sonbert; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom's pain and suffering from dialysis has ended and she is now with her son, Steve; her sister, Betty; her brother, Wallace; and her mom and dad. She would not want us to mourn but to celebrate her life of 88 years.

"This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil; success and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it."(Outreach)

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free; I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free." (Unknown)

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 12:00PM at Forsyth Memorial Park with Rev. Don Griffin and Pastor Bill Horton officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30AM - 11:30AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Sonbert family.

Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com