Sonja Harriet Taylor Griffin | Eastern NC Now

    Sonja Harriet Taylor Griffin, age 86, died on December 31, 2025, after a brief period of declining health.

    She was born in Martin County on March 28, 1939, to the late Robert Eli and Ida Elizabeth Powell Taylor. She attended Martin County schools, graduating from Robersonville High School in 1957, and attended East Carolina College. On August 9, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Marion Carroll Griffin of Robersonville.

    Following Marion's graduation from NC State, they moved to Kenansville, where they lived for 14 years and made many lifelong friends. During that time, she worked for Duplin County Schools and was an active member of Kenansville Baptist Church. In 1976, the family moved to Washington, NC. Sonja then began a 25-year career with Tideland Mental Health Center, retiring in April 2001.

    Retirement allowed her more time to spend with her family, especially the loves of her life - her grandchildren. She adored Carter and Emily, as anyone who spoke with her would attest. They especially enjoyed river roving on the Pamlico and combing Topsail Beach for seashells during the summers. She was an active member of First Christian Church, serving in many capacities.

    On most Saturday afternoons - and many weeknights - she could be found in front of the television watching ACC football and basketball games. She enjoyed cheering for NC State and attending games. Once Carter and Emily went to college, she became an instant fan of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of South Carolina. She was even known to wear light blue on occasion, shocking her friends and family - but she would do anything for her grandchildren. She was immensely proud of her entire family.

    She is survived by her daughters Harriet Carol Griffin and friend Sherry Salyer and Laura Griffin Hicks, son-in-law Allen Hicks; grandson Carter Hicks and fiancée Emma Brown of Durham and granddaughter Emily Hicks of Raleigh; sister Diane Boone of Shallotte; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion; sisters Ruth Muriel Parker, Betty Lou Young and Barbara Harris; and brother Gilbert "Tommy" Taylor.

    The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 3, at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Church of Washington. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with burial afterward at Oakdale Cemetery.

    Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, 307 E. 3rd Street, Washington, NC 27889.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Griffin family.