Who Was Sonya Massey: How She Sparked Her Family’s Mobilization Mission

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Sonya Massey was a remarkable woman whose life was tragically cut short on July 6, 2024. Her legacy lives on through her family’s intentional mobilization mission and efforts to get justice for her wrongful death. Read more about who Sonya Massey was and how her life’s impact has sent another ripple through the American justice system.

Massey was born Feb. 12, 1988 in San Diego to parents Donna Massey and James Wilburn, according to her obituary. The 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two was shot and killed in her home by Deputy Sean Grayson of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office in Woodside Township near Springfield, Illinois. Massey called 911 about a possible prowler, a call that led to her untimely death.

Described as a loving and energetic person, Massey was always helping others, often putting their needs before her own. She was a devoted mother to her son, Malachi, and daughter, Jeanette, who were the center of her world. Her family remembers her as someone who could talk to anyone and who had a gift for making everyone around her feel loved and valued.

Massey was a survivor, battling the final stages of lupus, a disease that had taken a toll on her but never dampened her spirit. Her mother, Donna Massey, recalls her daughter’s resilience and her constant reminder to stay strong no matter what. Despite her health struggles, Sonya remained a beacon of positivity and support for her loved ones.

Sonya was a devout Christian. A resolution from her church recognized Massey as devoted to a life in Christ which was “exemplified through her dedication to her family, friends and community.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that my baby is resting in the arms of Jesus right now,” her father Wilburn said at the funeral. “My baby got tired of living in temporary housing. There’s a home that she had that’s not made by man’s hands. There’s some streets that are made of gold.”

Sonya’s death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her. As one of four daughters, her family remembers her vibrant spirit. Massey’s youngest sister, Breeanna Toles, remembers her as the “middle man” who kept their family connected. At her funeral, Toles shared heartfelt memories of their sisterly bond and the pain of losing someone so integral to their lives.

“As baby sister, I look back at our text messages,” Toles recalled at Massey’s funeral service, Yahoo News reported. “She’d say, ‘I love you, baby sister.’ I hold onto those memories. I wish all of my sisters could be in the room today.”

She also shared a heartbreaking remark that she didn’t think the next time she’d be reunited with her sister would be for an occasion to say her goodbyes.

Massey’s son, Malachi, spoke of his mother’s kindness and her ability to bring joy to others. He expressed his determination to seek justice for her, a sentiment echoed by the rest of their family.

“She was loving, caring. She was just a ball of energy. She could talk to anybody. She was a lovable person. She always helped people,” her son, Malachi, shared in a press conference.

Other family members reminisce on the fun and entertaining times they shared with their beloved relative, Massey. One of her cousin’s shared a funny memory she remembers of Sonya’s gifts and bright personality.

“I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 and I still miss her shredded chicken nachos,” said Massey’s first cousin during the funeral service.\

She went on to share a comical story of Massey being so determined to find a turkey leg during an outing that at some point, she randomly reappeared with one in hand.

“I still to this day don’t know how she got that plate,” she said as the congregation erupted in laughter.

Her mom and son appeared on an exclusive interview with CBS News , where the reporter asked how Sonya’s lupus may have affected her in her last days. To which, they shared that she predicted her untimely death. Though they imagined it would have come from her health condition, and not at the hands of those sent to protect and serve.

“She started getting paranoid a few days before [her death],” Sonya’s mom disclosed.

Massey died two days after the Fourth. She was fatally shot after calling 911 for help with a possible intruder. Grayson was fired from the department and charged with first-degree murder along with other charges, per ABC .

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken up their cause, vowing to explore every legal avenue to ensure that justice is served for Sonya Massey.

In the wake of her death, the Massey family has mobilized to keep her memory alive and to fight for justice. They are committed to honoring Sonya’s legacy by continuing the work she cared so deeply about, ensuring that her spirit of love and resilience lives on through their efforts. Her name has become a rallying cry for justice and change, a testament to the impact she had on those around her.

Rest in power, Sonya Massey.