Sondra "Sonnie" Lovett Shelley, 76, passed away at home on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family.

Born on March 3, 1950, in Mullins, SC, Sonnie was the beloved daughter of the late Dock Lovett and Mildred Bullock Lovett. She grew up in the Spring Branch community of Horry County, where she attended Floyds High School. Later, she pursued her studies at Appalachian State before graduating from Campbell College.

In 1970, Sonnie married, Johnny Shelley. After graduating from college, the couple returned to the Floyds community where Sonnie began her teaching career at Floyds High School. Over the course of 35 years, she dedicated herself to teaching physical education and coaching at Green Sea Floyds Middle/High School. In the summers, she could always be found helping her husband and son on their family farm. After retiring from teaching, Sonnie continued her hard work as the lead forklift driver at the family-owned Big L Warehouse.

A lifelong athlete, Sonnie was passionate about sports. She played basketball in high school, coached tennis and basketball for many years at GSF, and captained several USTA women's tennis league teams. But, above all, her greatest love was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and took great joy in volunteering at GSF Elementary while they were students there.

In addition to her father, Sonnie was predeceased by her brother, Randy Lovett.

Sonnie is survived by her mother, Mildred Lovett; her loving husband, Johnny; her children, Kristi (Brian) and Cam (Jill); her precious grandchildren, Jaelyn, Jackson, Cole, and Georgia. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, James Shelley (Doris); sister-in-law, Judy Lovett; and nieces and nephews, including Sunshine Lovett Blevins (Todd), Dawn Shelley Lucas (Kenny), Gay Shelley Jones (Dewey), Randy Lovett II, and Jay Shelley (Terri).

A visitation will be held from 6:00—8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins, SC. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Nichols, with burial to follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sonnie's memory to support the girls' and boys' tennis programs at Green Sea Floyds High School. For more information on how to make a donation, please reach out to Brooke Duncan with the Green Sea Floyds Booster Club at 843-289-1193.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.