Sonia Young
Sonia Young, Chattanooga’s beloved Purple Lady, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2022, with family by her side.
She was a lifelong Chattanooga resident, educator, journalist, and advocate for supporting the arts, animals and children. Her contributions to enriching her community were significant.
She adhered to her “purple principle - do unto and for others.”
She was most proud of founding the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Youth Theatre and initiating a fundraising campaign on her 80th birthday to establish the Chattanooga’s Zoo’s giraffe exhibit.
Devoted to animals she served on the boards of McKamey Animal Center and Chattanooga Zoo, organizing numerous fundraisers for both.
She served as president of the boards of Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Chattanooga Ballet and former Chattanooga Opera Association. She served on the boards of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association (CSO), The AIM Center, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Chattanooga Cares, The Allied Arts, Hamilton County Library and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. She served on the Advisory Board for Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts (CCA).
Sonia Lee Winer was born on August 20, 1934, to Rose and Meyer Winer in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was married for 53 years to Melvin Asher Young (deceased November 2, 2009). She is survived by her only daughter, Melanie Young (David Ransom), brother David Winer (Finette), niece, Allison Winer Koeneman (Steven), and devoted cousins, nieces and nephews.
She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with Honors from Tulane University (Newcomb) with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Speech, and earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Teaching and communication remained an important part of her long career starting with Siskin Child Study Center and the Chattanooga Hamilton County Speech and Hearing Center, working with children. For 34 years she served as Adjunct Professor in the Theater and Speech Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, retiring from this position at age 84.
Her journalism career included writing her column, “The Pen of the Purple Lady,” first at The Chattanooga Times, Chattanooga Life & Leisure and for many years and until her passing for Mountain Mirror Newspapers. Young’s writing included the children’s book, “Chattanooga from A to Z,” the proceeds of which were donated to the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. She wrote “The Purple Princess,” a children’s play, to inaugurate The Chattanooga Youth Theatre for performance in “Last Night of Ballyhoo.”
Her many awards and honors included: the Holmberg Arts Leadership Award, Tennessee Woman of the Year, and Tennessee Woman of Distinction and recognition by the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachia (she was a Girl Scout), The Chattanooga Ballet (Will Montague Award), Chattanooga Cares, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.
Young was member of Mizpah Congregation and several professional organizations. Along with her passion for the performing and visual arts, Young and husband, Mel, traveled extensively. They supported many local artists and enjoyed entertaining. She was passionate about animals especially her beloved Maltese dogs.
Chattanoogans will remember Young for her vibrant personality, purple wardrobe, and purple cars spotted her around town as she attended and covered events for her columns.
She always signed off with the words “Have a Perfectly Purple Day. Lavender Love!”
In lieu of flowers and gifts, Sonia requested contributions be made in her memory to the following charities: Chattanooga Theatre Centre (Youth Theatre), Chattanooga Zoo, and McKamey Animal Rescue Center.
A Celebration of The Purple Lady’s Life will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 4506 Hixson Pike Hixson, Tn. 37434, 423 531-3975.