**PLEASE SEE NEW DATE FOR SERVICE – FEBRURAY 7**
Sonja W. “Sunny” Templeton, 87, passed away on January 14, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster. She was born on October 20, 1938, in Anderson, SC, to the late Rabun Welsh and Marie Haynie Welsh. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Donnie Welsh.
She is survived by her loving husband, Tom Templeton; son, Tom Templeton Jr. (Stefanie); daughters, Donna Snider (Gordon) and Dr. Mia Lockett (Mark); brother, Jim Welsh (Dianne); sisters, Sandra Hembree (Ralph) and Sheila Cheek (Doug); sister-in-law, Carolyn; grandchildren, Ross McCurdy, Mason McCurdy, Cooper Lockett, Ryan Lockett, Holt Templeton, and John Henry Templeton; along with many nieces and nephews.
Sunny lived a life filled with creativity, warmth and deep love for family. She found joy in many passions. Tending gardens as a master gardener, cooking for those she loved, painting beautiful watercolor scenes, and playing the piano, especially her beloved Malagueña, were just a few of her many pastimes. The tennis court, Clemson tailgates and family gatherings were among her favorite places to be, always surrounded by laughter and connection.
Above all, Sunny’s greatest devotion was to her family, who were the center of her life and proudest joy. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the beauty she created, and the memories she leaves behind.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at 3:00 PM.
After the service, all guests are invited to continue the celebration of Sunny’s life at a reception from 5:00-7:00 at The Village at India Hook Clubhouse, 105 Lone Oak Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. Condolences may be shared at greenefuneralhome.net.