SONYA DENINE KITCHEN

Sonya Denine Hines burst into the world on February 19, 1967, at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan, bringing with her the light, laughter, and love that would define her entire life. Born to the union of Willie and Mary Payne Hines, Sonya grew up in Muskegon Heights, where she proudly attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1985.

Sonya lived her life with purpose, joy, and an unwavering commitment to others. She was passionate about helping people, and she poured that passion into a long and meaningful career in Human Services at Health West in Muskegon and later at Community Healthcore in Texarkana Texas. Her dedication to uplifting others inspired her to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Spring Arbor University.

When you met Sonya, you knew instantly that you gained a friend. Her warm, compassionate spirit made people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Her bright smile and unforgettable laugh could lift any somber moment and turn it into joy. Being around Sonya simply made life feel lighter.

In 2017, Sonya received a breast cancer diagnosis that tried to dim her light but she refused to let it. She beat cancer with a vengeance! After ringing the bell to celebrate being cancer‑free, she became a proud advocate for breast cancer awareness and prevention. She shared her journey openly, encouraging both women and men to seek yearly screenings and was honored at several breast cancer survivor events.

On July 31, 2021, Sonya married Brian Kitchen in their hometown of Muskegon, Michigan. Shortly after their wedding, she joined Brian in Hooks, Texas, where they built a beautiful life together. Their union blended a lively family of six children — all boys — and Sonya embraced each son with her whole heart. She created a special bond with every son based on his unique personality. Her sons were truly the apples of her eye, along with her two beloved grandsons. Although Sonya did not have a biological daughter, she lovingly and wholeheartedly “adopted” Tamber Tameka McKenzie as her own, along with her children. Their bond was as strong and natural as any mother‑daughter relationship.

Sonya departed this life on September 4, 2026. Preceding Sonya in her eternal journey was her parents, Willie and Mary Hines; grandparents Vanilla Miller, Artee Payne, and Sarah Francis Payne; sister Ommie Hines; brother William (Billy) Hines; nephews Toma Booker and Jalen Hines, granddaughter Paislee Hines and close friend Marlene Smith.

Sonya leaves to cherish her memory; Her husband Brian Kitchen-Hooks, TX, four sons Anthony Hines and D’Marcus Richardson - Muskegon, MI, Denzel (Gabrielle) Smith- Palatine, IL, Kayland (Daravia) Smith - Lombard, IL, two bonus sons Deonte Kitchen- Hooks TX and Tyrek (Joanna) Kitchen-Mount Pleasant, TX. Siblings Sharon Hines - Mansfield, TX, Debra Hines-Foster, Larry (Carla) Hines, Wilton (Priscilla) Hines and Sister-in-law Doris Hines - Muskegon, MI. Two grandsons, Anthony Hines Jr. (AJ)- Muskegon, MI and Drake Hines – San Antonio, TX. Two nieces Thelma Cheeks- Fairburn, GA and Jocelyn Hines - Muskegon, MI. Seven nephews, Lynden Hines - Ann Arbor, MI, DeLorenzo (Claudia) Hines- Hazel Park, MI, William Vincon Madison, Samoune Madison, Adam (Juvonna) White, Raynard Gamble – Muskegon, MI and Bernard Gamble - Houston, TX, an amazing sisterhood of loving friends; France Garrett, Catrina Dent, Joyce Johnson, Pam Gentry, Barbara Evans, Consuela Crews, Connie Kitchen and Linda Thomas, along with a host of great nieces and great nephews aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life honoring Sonya Hines‑Kitchen will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Living God, 4249 S Quarterline Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444. Pastor James M. Williams will preside over the service. Public viewing will be held one hour prior to the services, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the church.