Sonna Joan (Carver) Colby

Sonna Joan Colby, 92, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 15,
2026. She was born on September 13, 1933, in Redbird, Nebraska, to Phoebe and Elden
Carver. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Edward O. Colby,
and her dear brother, Glen Carver.

Sonna is survived by her daughter, Tonya Marie Packard (Rick) of Lawrenceville, Georgia; her
son, Chad Edward Colby (Susan Holmes) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; and her three
cherished grandchildren, Alston (Colby) Hunter (Chase) of Tampa, Florida, and Dean Packard
and Maggie Packard of Lawrenceville, Georgia. She is also survived by her three loving
nephews, Greg Carver, Garth Carver (Dee), and Galen Carver (Sandy).

Sonna and Ed were married on August 11, 1957 in Pierre, South Dakota. Shortly after their
wedding, they made their home in Pensacola, Florida, where they lived for more than 50
years. She was deeply devoted to her family and was actively involved in her children's
lives, spending countless days and evenings supporting them at cheerleading, softball,
baseball, and football events at Myrtle Grove Community Center and Escambia High
School.

Sonna worked for many years at Woodham High School and Escambia High School. During
her career, she formed lifelong friendships with Muriel Baswell and Keitha Brown, who
remained two of her closest friends throughout her life. She retired from the Escambia
County School District in 1996.

In retirement, Sonna enjoyed spending time with family and living in Pensacola, Tampa, and
later Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her
family, her kind heart, and the lasting friendships she nurtured throughout her life. Her
warmth, generosity, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.