3/27: Morning Mash with former Praise host Sonya Hamm passing, “Big Brother” casting call
Sonya Hamm, former morning host at Praise 97.5(now at 102.5), passed away Wednesday from colon and abdomen cancer, her husband of 24 years Gary Hamm told me Thursday afternoon.
“She had a natural connection with people,” said Praise program director Derek Harper. “You don’t have a lot of jocks like her anymore. People felt her reach through the radio to embrace them.”
Hamm, a Durham native and Atlanta resident, spent most of her radio career in that Raleigh/Durham area at a gospel station. She moved to Atlanta in 2004 to be the new morning host at Praise. In 2007, when Praise owners decided to launch the syndicated morning show starring Yolanda Adams, Hamm was moved to mid days.
Last August, Praise let her go for budgetary reasons. Hamm, her husband said, was in the midst of starting her own radio Web site and he had helped build a studio at their home.
Gary Hamm said she started going downhill about a month ago but was grateful he got to say goodbye.
Her former colleagues at Praise said they knew she was sick (she had taken a medical leave at one point during her tenure at Praise), but had no idea she was in such a bad state.
“She loved movies,” said Praise promotions manager Cie Cie Wilson McGhee. “She was an extra in a couple of Tyler Perry movies.” She was also into soul food. Wilson McGee recalled two favorites: the Original Big Daddys Smokehouse BBQ Grill in Decatur and This is It BBQ in East Point. For kicks, they nicknamed each other “Muffin.”
“We used to say that in the hallways,” Wilson McGhee said. “People are affectionate at the station. We are always hugging and stuff.”
Atlanta gospel singer Dottie Peoples said she was shocked by Hamm’s passing. “A fallen radio angel has gone,” she said.
When Hamm was in Raleigh, “she used to interview me on her morning show.” Peoples said. “I used to fuss at her because it was so early in the morning. But you couldn’t tell her no.” She said she used to tease Hamm by asking, “Where’s the breakfast and grits?”
When Hamm moved to Atlanta, Peoples would listen to her on the radio and call in. Hamm would teasingly turn the tables on Peoples and ask, “Are the grits ready?” Peoples’ response? “I ain’t going to cook no breakfast!”
Greg Hamm said she loved to travel and take cruises. She was also a fan of the beach. The couple would regularly go to the Outer Banks in N.C. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. when they lived in North Carolina and more recently Tybee Island in Georgia.
She was a member of the World Changers Church International under Dr. Creflo A. Dollar. Her funeral services are going to be Tuesday (March 31) at Christian Faith Center in Creedmoor, N.C. in conjunction with Burthey Funeral Services in Durham, N.C. Viewing is at noon, services at 1 p.m., followed by burial, Greg Hamm said.
You can place your condolences at her Web site sonyahammlive.com.
-On a much more frivolous note, do you like CBS’s summer reality show “Big Brother”? I don’t. But if you want to be on the show, there’s an open casting at Rock Bottom Brewery in Buckhead at 3242 Peachtree Road Saturday from noon to 6. There is no specific skill set needed for this show, just a wily personality that pops on camera and a willingness to be on TV 24/7 for weeks on end. Also check outwww.cbs.com/casting to get an application. The show would air this summer and you might be trapped in that house for weeks on end. Fortunately, there are plenty of unemployed or under-employed people out there to fill the spots.
-The numbers for NBC’s failed reality show “The Chopping Block” keep getting scarier. The third episode, in which Atlantans Panya Rice and Michael Holmes were eliminated, attracted just 2.6 million viewers. The opening episode drew 3.8 million two weeks ago. The typical NBC show attracts at least 7 million viewers during primetime. These numbers are even worse than a typcal “Top Chef” episode on Bravo, where episodes get repeated umpteenth times per week. I’m surprised NBC hasn’t already ditched this loser. (UPDATE: The show was indeed axed on Thursday.)
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83 comments Add your comment
BABY BOY
March 28th, 2009
10:47 am
SONYA WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY, SHE WAS A BLESSES WOMAN THAT BELIEVED IN GOD.WHEN EVER YOU WOULD BE DOWN, SSONYA WOULD FIND AWAY TO LIFT YOUR SPIRIT UP. LISTENENING TO HER ON THE LIGHT WAS SO INSPIRING, WHEN I HEARD THAT SHE WAS LEAVING THE LIGHT, I WAS SO UPSET. I HAD FOLLOWED SONYA FOR A LONG TIME, I WAS A RADIO ANNOUNCER MYSELF FOR OVER 10 YEARS.. I WILL ALYWAYS RENENBE SONYA AS ONE OF THE BEST RADIO ANNOUNCERS EVER. MY LOVE GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY, SONYA IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW, HER JOB HAS BEEN COMPLETED, SHE BROUGHT THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY TOGETHER, AND LET’S NOT FOGET ABOUT NON CHRISTIAN’S. WE LOVE THE SONYA, BUT GOD LOVES YOU BEST.
Darlene sumter
March 28th, 2009
1:20 pm
She was a woman of great faith. she made a mark that can not be eraseed on the heart of God people.
BarBara J. Williams.
March 28th, 2009
1:27 pm
To GOD be the glory for great things he has done.GOD saw you were ready to be with him;he took your hand lead you to fly alway with him into the pearliegate for complete rest.I say to the family hold on to GOD unchanging hand.
1XCINR
March 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
It is a blessing that one person touched so many lives. Feels like the work Jesus said we should be doing. Lets get busy and start loving one another like Christ wanted us too. Blessings to the Family and Friends. God Bless
Tina Lewis
March 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
This glorifying saint of God will surely be missed. Here in Fayetteville she carried me to Fort Bragg many mornings with Christ in my heart, she really uplifted my days. She’s been an inspiration to many and will be missed greatly. GOD has her spirit with him and the other saints. Family my prayers are with you. Be strong and remember the good times. May GOD bless you.
rita
March 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
my prayers are with the hamm family
BarBara J. Williams.
March 28th, 2009
8:40 pm
It is well, It is well with my soul.To Gary and family the lord will provide love and peace.
Tamika McCoy
March 28th, 2009
10:25 pm
SONYA HAS REALLY BLESS MY SOUL WITH ALL THE LOVE AND WONDER MUSIC
SHE KNEW JUST THE RIGHT WORD OR SONG TOO PLAY AND SAY ON THE RADIO
MY HEART IS FEEL WITH SADNESS, BUT GOD KNOWS BEST WHEN HE CALL HIS CHILDRENS HOME I KNOW SHE WILL BE SMILING DOWN AT US. I LOVE LISENING TO HER, I WAS A HUGH FAN OF HER. SHE WILL BE MISS.TOO HER FAMILY MAY GOD KEEP EVERYONE IN PEACE BECAUSE SONYA IS AT PEACE
GEANETTA ROBINSON
March 28th, 2009
11:39 pm
I LISTENED TO SONYA EVERYMORNING MY KIDS AND I AND SHE WAS TRUELY AN INSPIRATION TO MY FAMILY AND I WE WILL TRUELY MISS HER BUT WE KNOW SHE IS GONE TO LIVE WITH OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT HER FAMILY AT THIS TIME MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE FAMILY.
Re4mdbyfaith
March 29th, 2009
1:17 am
*Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Ps.116:15.
**And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Rev.14:13
Hamm Family,
Be blessed in her life, be blessed in her memory for her Father has told her “Well done my faithful servant, my Beloved, Well done.”
Dianne in Atlanta
March 29th, 2009
1:34 am
I’m shocked and saddened to hear that Mrs. Hamm has passed away. I recently loss my Dad to stomach and colon cancer, my heart goes out to you. Thank-you Sonya for touching my life. I will continue to pray for the Hamm family.
Abigail Bryan
March 29th, 2009
7:35 am
Mrs. Hamm you have been such a great inspiration to many. Even though your soul is at rest, your vibrant spirit will live on.
mattie d. thomas
March 29th, 2009
2:09 pm
IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY; MAY THE LORD COMFORT,STRENGTHEN,AND COVER YOUR FAMILY IN HIS PEACE.SONYA’S WORK HAS BEEN WELL DONE, A TRUE SOLDIER IN MINISTERING THE WORD OF GOD TO REACH HEARTS AND SAVE SOULS.YOUR FAMILY ARE CONTINUALLY IN MY PRAYERS. MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU.
nyeisha
March 29th, 2009
2:48 pm
im little but miss hamm was like a piece of crice i even remember her catch fraise tell them Sonya sent ya she will be love and missed give you luck in heaven
Linda Mozee
March 29th, 2009
10:22 pm
During the years 2001 – 2003, I travelled 45 minutes from my home to work in the Cumberland School System. My travels were a blessing to me each day – they were the wind beneath my wings – because the Lord had it so designed that I would spend that time with Sonya Hamm and the morning show at 103.9 The Light. My heart is saddened, but we must trust that the Lord knows what is best. May you find comfort in Him.
rbr
March 30th, 2009
11:11 am
Sonya was my joy driving to my job in the a.m. i was always anxious to tune in to her and be inspired every morning..97.5/102.5 has never been the same since then. i pray strength and grace over her family.
Carolyn Carver-Tann
March 30th, 2009
11:21 am
To Gary & Ms. Bonnie Brown,
Sonja has gone to be with the angels. In the spiritual realm, she actually lived longer than her chronologically years because she left so much in the earth. She inspired and encouraged/touched a lot of people over the radio and in her ministry. She will be missed. May God Bless and keep you both.
Fondly,
Carolyn Carver-Tann and husband, C.C. (Charles) Tann
Lutricia Bradley
March 30th, 2009
12:51 pm
Mrs Hamm will truly be missed. She had a way of connecting with you spiritually that will truly be missed. May her anointing and love of God continue to bless us all.
James Judkins
March 30th, 2009
3:28 pm
My heart was broken when Sis Hamm moved to Atlanta, her voice was so soothing in the morning. Now that she is with the Lord, I have mixed emotion, joy & sadness… joy knowing she is resting in the arms of Jesus, sadness because she is no longer with us. My thoughts & prayers go out to her family.
The Rush Family
March 30th, 2009
11:32 pm
God has placed another beautiful rose in his garden. My prayers are with the Hamm family.
Connie McCloud
March 31st, 2009
2:47 am
Sonya , Your life spoke volumes and you lived the love of God.
A life well spent.
Thank you
Jackie Ctoss
March 31st, 2009
9:25 am
Sonya will be missed. Sonya had one of those voices that you hear and make you forget about changing the station. Her vcoice wss so sweet and comforting, that if you were downn and out shre would bring you owt of whatever was going on in your life. I needed to hear her voice on days when I couldn’t make it on some days. I thank God for her. My Prayers and Thought are with you in the time of Sorrow. She will live on in many peoples lives. Thank you Sonya for being part of my life.
Claudia
April 1st, 2009
4:16 pm
I remember moving to Raleigh and listening to Sonya Hamm and yes she touch lives and helped people connect. That was my morning medicine every morning to work. I can truly say I missed her when she left 103.9 The Light and I will miss her now that she have gone to be with our father which art in Heaven. My prayers are with the family, sleep my sister because you will rise up again.
Nelcena Holliway
April 1st, 2009
7:54 pm
I was really shocked when I heard the news about Sonya. When I heard that Sonya would not be on in the mornings, I was totally disappointed. I looked forward to the breakfast club as I traveled to work. I enjoyed her wit. She gave us current sneak-peak news and famous sayings. I used to laugh a lot on the way to work. At first I couldn’t accept the changes because I wouldn’t listen to any other station but the one she was on in the mornings. I thank God that he allowed me to talk to her and to let her know that I would miss her from the morning show. I also love to hear the Kia advertisement. Well God knows best and her family will miss her the most. I am sorry that I didn’t get to know her any better. Family, I am praying for your strength. May the Lord keep you encouraged and inspired to carry on her legacy.
Wanda H. Cameron
April 2nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Sonya will be dearly missed,She touch a lot of people lives and Blessed them though the word,My prayers are with the Hamm Family. God Bless you!!
Sharon Osby
April 3rd, 2009
3:42 pm
Sonya will be truly missed. I will never forget the impact she had on my
life, she was a angle in disquise. I met her at the Stone Mountian Gospel Feast. She stop and ask me if those was devil eggs I was carring
my response was “NO” they are Angle Eggs sent by God. Every chance I
got I was able to touch her life with my special Angle Eggs sent by God.
To me she is and angle. I will truly miss her. Gary we at the Greater
Body of Christ Temple, Bishop Kevin Lydell Smith Pasor Love you dearly.
Tenee Winstead
April 3rd, 2009
6:31 pm
Sonya, you will be missed! My prayers go out to your family! My family and I moved to Atlanta in 2004 and Sonya’s morning show always gave me inspiration and hope. One thing for sure, there is another beautiful angel in Heaven, praising our Savior Jesus Christ 24/7!
Much Love!
dennis lester sr.
April 4th, 2009
11:21 am
going to miss you, but God makes no mistakes.
Deborah Johnson
April 5th, 2009
9:11 pm
I will truly miss her, she inspired many. God blessed her to inspire so many. Deborah & Taylor Lawrenceville, Ga
Gisette Harris
April 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
Ms. Hamm will be truly missed. God Bless and keep her family and friends. She was an angel and an inspiration to all.
Deborah, KY
April 9th, 2009
3:42 pm
I just simply love Sonya, and, what a faithful servant…thou absent from the body, she is now present with the Lord! Wow, if I could touch one tenth of the hearts and souls that Sonya has??? On one end of the spectrum; a delightful sense of humor; but on the other, such a hunger for winning souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. Sonya is family whose presence I will deeply miss!
Now,to Sonya’s best friends; her Husband Gary and her Mother, Bonnie: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
With much love… DC
Atlanta Gospel Personaility Sonya Hamm Has Passed Away « Urban Insite
May 5th, 2009
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Sharon Gooch Burns
June 16th, 2009
11:06 pm
I’ll miss you dearly cousin!! I’ll miss your smile, but never will I forget you or your loving spirit!! Hang in there Aunt Bunny love you guys!!!
Sharon Gooch Burns