Our Guiding Light, Our Forever Angel

Shonda Evette Wilson, 56, of Hopewell, Virginia, departed her life on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at HCA Virginia Chippenham Hospital, surrounded by her family. Shonda Wilson was born on April 6, 1970, in Hopewell, Virginia, to Marcella A. Wilson and James R. Lewis.

Shonda was a graduate of Hopewell High School in 1990. She was a former member of the Word of Life Center in Hopewell, Virginia.

Shonda was a dedicated mother, daughter, companion, sister, and aunt. She was an incredibly hard worker whose dedication touched countless lives  She had a special love for children and was a guiding light, mentor, and a source of inspiration to so many.  She greeted everyone with a warm smile, a kind heart, and genuine love that made people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

For more than 25 years, Shonda faithfully served in the corrections field with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Throughout her career, she demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and compassion while working with the youth and guiding them towards a better future. Her hard work and dedication earned her the rank of Sergeant and later rising to the Security Manager before her well-deserved retirement from Bon Air Juvenile Correctional.  In addition to her work in the correctional field, Shonda spent many years in the mental health field and SVTC, and multiple group homes.

Shonda loved listening to music, especially her favorite artists, Jaheim and Gerald Levert, and spending time with family.

Shonda was preceded in death by her father, James R. Lewis; grandmother, Mary S. Wilson; grandfather, John I. Wilson, Sr.; aunt, Gloria Perry, Ruby Burgess and Evamae Holloway; uncles, Morris Lewis, Henry Lewis (Julia), and Earnest Lewis (Martha); and a devoted cousin, Antoine Perry.

Shonda is survived by her devoted mother, Marcella A. Wilson; a father-figure for years, Edward Jones; and her lifelong partner of 40 years, Brian Lyles all of Hopewell, Virginia; one daughter, Brianna Lyles of Hopewell, Virginia; two step-daughters, Brooklyn Berry (Greg) of Washington, DC and Dionia Royster of Michigan; one step-son, Brian Royster of Michigan; four grandchildren, Marcus Berry, Harlem Jones, Queen Jones and Reign Jones all of Washington, DC; one sister, Lawanda Wilson of Hopewell, Virginia; three brothers, Antonio Flowers (Keeshia) of Surry, Virginia, Kenya Williams (Demetria) of Williamsburg, Virginia, and Michael Collins of Hopewell, Virginia; two nephews, Kenya Williams, Jr. and Antonio Flowers, Jr. (Chelsea); four nieces, Asiah Wilson (devoted) and Precious Williams both of Hopewell, Virginia; Antonia Williams and Zakenya Williams all of Williamsburg, Virginia; two god-daughter, Tamara Lyles and Laketa Estrich both of Hopewell, Virginia; three uncles, McKinley Lewis (Elise) of Disputanta, Virginia, John I. Wilson, Jr. of Hopewell, Virginia and John W. Lewis of Disputanta, Virginia; three aunts, Ruby Wilson of Hopewell, Virginia, Estelle Lewis of Disputanta, Virginia, and Shirley Newby (Columbus) of Surry County, Virginia;

Shonda had a host of bonus children, Tareeka Perry, Shenika Nowell (Howard), Yvonne Perry, Lamar Perry, Kiunta Perry and Alesya Jones all of Hopewell, Virginia; a host of cousins and friends that she loved very much; childhood friends, Monicuie Kelly of Chester, Virginia, Doris Cutler (Milton), Tawnya Hayes, Maggie Delane; and longtime coworker, friend and her daughter's godmother, Aquanetta Carlos.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, June 26, 2026, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Lamont A. Hobbs, Pastor and Bishop Richard H. Cross, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6020159?fl=so&fe=fs