Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) December 18, 2005
Sonya Dianne Ferguson, beloved daughter of James H. Ferguson and Lena Santos Ferguson (deceased) and sister of Serena Ferguson Mann, died in Washington, D.C. on December 12, 2005. Sonya was born in Washington on November 14, 1959. Upon graduating from Woodson High School in 1976 at the age of 16, Sonya began a professional career that took her around the world as a runway, print, and television model.
A stunning and photogenic beauty, she would model for nearly 20 years for the nationâs top agencies, including Washington, D.C.âs Central Casting and The Model Store. While appearing in fashion magazines, motion pictures, and television commercials and drama, Sonya lived and worked in New York and Los Angeles. Her assignments, including product advertising, swimwear, casual, fashion, glamour, and portraiture, took her to France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and dozens of other fashion hubs and exotic locations. She appeared on numerous album jackets, magazine covers and billboards.
Throughout her career, Sonya mentored younger models, particularly on the importance of staying in condition, keeping commitments, arriving on time and always being professional. One of her cousins said, âyou took me under your wing and opened many opportunities.â She volunteered to arrange and, appear in, fashion events that benefited local charities.
Sonya was devoted to her nephew, Greyson Mann, and grandmother, Lucy Ferguson, and her dear Grang Grang, Henry Ferguson. Sonya spent every summer of her childhood in Connecticut with her maternal grandparents, Ida Gay Santos and Oveidio Santos, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She had a life-long affection for her many pet birds and dogs and nurtured them lovingly.
Sonya is a descendant of Jonah Gay, a Revolutionary War patriot from Maine. She donated work to a project her mother co-founded to build a memorial on the National Mall to African American soldiers and patriots.
Memorial services will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at the Stewart Funeral Home, 4001 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC 20019.
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