Sonya René LeBlanc, 60, of Orange, Texas, passed away on May 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Orange First Church of the Nazarene in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Larry Brooks. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Orange First Church of the Nazarene in Orange.
Born in Orange, Texas, on September 8, 1964, she was the daughter of Lem Brooks, Sr. and Josie Mae Brooks (Brown). Sonya was the devoted owner and operator of Bluebirds Fish Camp, where she not only served delicious meals but also fostered a sense of community and belonging. Her welcoming nature meant she never met a stranger; everyone who encountered Sonya felt the genuine embrace of her kindness. As "Nanu" to all her grandchildren and their friends, as well as the neighborhood kids, Sonya had a unique ability to adopt everyone she met. Her home was a sanctuary where laughter and joy thrived, a place where memories were woven together with love. Whether she was offering a kind word or sharing her passion for thrift shopping, Sonya's light touched countless lives in the Orange community. Her sisters were not just family; they were her best friends, providing a closeness and camaraderie that defined many of her happiest moments. Her proudest accomplishments included being a faith-filled woman of God, singing at church, and bringing harmony into the lives of those she cherished. Sonya's warmth was matched only by her vibrant personality, which endeared her to all who were fortunate enough to know her. The legacy of her love and the joy she inspired will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she enriched. In this time of sorrow, let us celebrate the beautiful life of Sonya René LeBlanc—a woman who brought people together, encouraged others, and embraced life to the fullest. Her spirit will forever remain a guiding light in our memories.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Oscar LeBlanc, Sr.; mother, Josie Brooks; and brother, James Elvis Brooks.
She is survived by her father, Lem Brooks, Sr.; children, Ashley Steiner and husband Terrell, Oscar LeBlanc, Jr., Chiquita Hand and husband Dillon, Marcus Roque, and Frances Roque; grandchildren, Ava, Lawrence, Reyanna, Téhyra, Avery, Chloe, Daylen, Christiana, Aja, Hannah, and Jaslynn, Jordian, and Jazmian; one great grandchild; siblings, Linda Davis, Wanda Brooks, Susie Simon, Hilda Green, Patricia Hudson, Michelle Clark, David Brooks, Lionel Brooks, Larry Brooks, Lem Brooks, Jr., Terry Brooks, Marvin Brooks, and Lawrence Brooks; and other loving family and friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Terrell Steiner, Dillon Hand, Alton Lewis, Lawrence Steiner, Ger’Marcus Robinson, and Tyson Cameron. Honorary pallbearers are Lem Brooks, Jr., Lionel Brooks, Darius Provost, Kenneth Clark, Jr. Glenn Steiner, Buddy Serrette. Junior pallbearers will be Daylen Hand, Eli Robinson, Tyler Cameron, Colt Donnaud, and Jordan Spell.
For those who do not wish to send flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Orange Christian Service at 2518 W Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630.