In May of 2008, Sonya Bennett, who inherited Huntington’s Disease, joined the Andalusia Manor as one their youngest residents. She was only 30 years old.

Sonya was a vibrant young lady with lots of energy who needed lots of attention, and that is exactly what she received during her six years at Andalusia Manor.

The staff went above and beyond their duties to make sure Sonya had everything she needed and wanted, and boy did they spoil her. Sonya was on the West Hall at the Manor, and she gave those nurses a run for their money! Because of her loving spirit and contagious smile, you couldn’t help but fall in love with Sonya. She enjoyed bingo, dominoes, going to the beauty shop, getting her fingernails painted, and all the other activities. She never missed a singing or church service, either. When we would go and visit her, we always had to find her because she would be scooting around somewhere in her chair having fun. As Sonya’s disease progressed, the staff took every measure possible to bring her comfort and allow her to continue with activities. Some staff would go sit in her room just to give her company or take her outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air. It’s the “small things” in life that mean the most, and the staff did those “small things” for Sonya and we so appreciated the love they showed her. The last year of her life was very challenging, she required more attention and needed more one-on-one time. Two nurses on her hall took it upon themselves to feed her every day they worked, and this at times, was a challenge to say the least. Other nurses would take her shakes and do things that they did not have to do, because with Sonya, you just wanted to love her.

Some of the RNs would bring her to the nursing station so she could get out of her room, yet be right there so they could keep a close eye on her. She had that way about her. You wanted to do what ever you could to put that beautiful smile on her face. For us to know that she was receiving that love and care, was such a comfort.

Sonya left this life, March 5, 2014. Her life here on earth was full of struggle for the most of her adult life. Sonya was a fighter and when you saw her you saw love, thankfulness, kindness, a warm heart and a cheerful heart, you did not see a disease. Although we miss her terribly, now healed and with her Maker. As her family, we wanted to personally thank Andalusia Manor and all the staff who worked with her but mostly, loved her. Thank you for making her home such a warm, fun loving place.

Pamela Canant

Kerry Alexander

Larry Bennett