Sona Beavers, 88 of Taylorville, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at High Point Residence in Taylorville.  She was born on September 27, 1937, in Gays, the daughter of Richard L. and Emma D. (Armantrout) Hortenstine. She married James Orlie Beavers on November 1, 1958, in Sullivan, and he preceded her in death on September 27, 2024.  Sona graduated from Sullivan High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.  She taught accounting, typing and shorthand classes for over 30 years at Taylorville High School and served as the head of the business department.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy came from her family, especially her roles as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Gifted with a true green thumb, she took great pride in tending her flowers, bushes, and a perfectly manicured lawn that reflected her care and dedication. She enjoyed socializing and vacationing with dear friends and family, and worked faithfully alongside her husband, helping with accounting and tax work through the years. She had a special love for her black and white cats and her cherished cocker spaniels. Holidays held a special place in her heart, made even more meaningful by time spent with her beloved grandchildren, whom she adored having over for visits. Her warmth, love, and devotion to family will be remembered always.

She is survived by her children: Claire Beavers Henderson (Mick) of Clarksville, Tennessee, J. Benson Beavers of Springfield, Beth Beavers Brotherton (Mike) of Taylorville and T. Matthew Beavers (Colleen) of Mt. Zion; grandchildren: Katelyn Loxley (Matt), Jenna Moore (Kyle), Lauren Sheary (Phil), Jimmy Beavers, Jorden Brotherton (Erica), Jace Brotherton (Nonie), Madeleine Johnson (James), Mallory Carmichael (Blake), Macy Brotherton, Ryan Beavers (Brooke), Nicole Beavers Garner (Nick), and Jacob Beavers; great grandchildren: Logan Moore, Ashton Loxley, David Brotherton, William Brotherton, Etta Brotherton, Noa Johnson, Ozzy Johnson, Warner Beavers, Eleanor Beavers, Isla Garner, and Eloise Garner; sisters: Dixie Fickes (Dennis) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Cecelia McKinnon of Mason; and several nieces and nephews .  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother: Ted Hortenstine.

Mrs. Beavers will be cremated, and a memorial mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Fr. John Burnette officiating. There will be no public visitation. Inurnment will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Annual School Fund. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.