Sonja Bracewell

Sonja Nelson Bracewell, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on April 12, 2024, at age 79. Growing up in Montana and graduating from Havre High School, she met Jim Bracewell while he was stationed at Havre Air Force Base, Montana, at a softball game. They began dating and were married on July 21, 1963. In their 60 years of marriage, Sonja stayed beside Jim throughout all his career moves, in both the Air Force and later the U.S. Army. His military career allowed them to travel and live in places including Fort Knox, Savannah and California. Eventually, Mr. and Mrs. Bracewell returned to Valdosta and subsequently settled in Hamilton County. She was administrator with the South Georgia Regional Development Center for 20 years before retirement and she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Lake Park. 

Sonja had a lot of fun with everything, especially during her younger years when she was often mistaken for Carol Burnett.  Sonja took on any opportunity or challenge presented to her, whether it was moving to a new base (she actually enjoyed moving!), taking a trip to Sweden to visit her father’s homeplace or dealing with an errant rattlesnake or alligator.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim Bracewell of Hamilton County, FL; a son and daughter in law, Walter & Mary Bracewell of Sumter, SC; a daughter and son in law, Theresa & Stephen Murphy, of Glen Ellyn, IL; grandchildren, James (& Anjali) Bracewell ; John Bracewell; Emma (& Bobby) LaRocca ; Meghan Murphy; and her beloved sister, Karen (& Reuben) Scheuerman of Havre, MT. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter B. Nelson of Havre, Montana, and her parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Bracewell of Valdosta. 

A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Bracewell at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10-11 A.M. on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Calvary Baptist Church, Lake Park, GA are encouraged. Online condolences may be conveyed at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.