Sonya Rae Jenson Blinkinsop, age 95, went to be with the Lord on September 10, 2026, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and friends. She was a recent resident of Winston Salem for three years and was formerly a resident of Colorado Springs for 37 years. She was a multi-faceted woman who worked alongside her husband in numerous businesses and ventures through the years while raising a family of seven children.
Sonya was born on February 8, 1931, to the late Walter DeWitt Jenson and Edelia Bodholdt Jenson. On Aug 15, 1951, she married Paul Harrison Blinkinsop in Newell, Iowa.
Sonya was especially fond of music, playing various instruments and singing, birdwatching, bridge and watching her children in sports. She also enjoyed crafts and had an appreciation for reading and studying the Bible. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs and attended Sulphur Springs High School in the Providence Township of Iowa followed by Iowa State Teachers College where she received a two year degree in early childhood education with a secondary degree in music. She graduated in 1951. She won numerous singing competitions in Iowa both as a soloist and with groups.
She is survived by her children: Diane Rene Johnson (Jeryl, Winston Salem, NC), Walter D. Blinkinsop (Miriam, Sparks NV), Paula Rae Van Roy (Glenn, San Diego, CA), Tom J. Blinkinsop (Suzanne, Old Saybrook, CT), Sonny Paul Blinkinsop (Carolynn, Old Lyme, CT); and her grandchildren: Angela Johnson Morris, Melissa Johnson Spivy, Kimberly Blinkinsop Wilson, Heather Blinkinsop Hazelton, Adam Blinkinsop, Philip Blinkinsop, Dan York, Anthony Van Roy, Jaclyn Van Roy Ouellet, Zachary Blinkinsop, Audrey Blinkinsop, Madelyn Blinkinsop; 17 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Paul Blinkinsop; son, Jay P. Blinkinsop (Cynthia, Paulsbo, WA), son Tim E. Blinkinsop (Cristina, LaPaz Canelones, Uruguay); grandsons, Paul Nicholas Johnson and Andrew Glen Johnson.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 1:00PM, Followed by a funeral service at 2:00PM, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Following the service, Sonya will be laid to rest in the Gate of Heaven, Alcove of Demetrious. A reception will be held following the service at The Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 South Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Memorials in Sonya Blinkinsop’s name may be made to the American Heart Association or the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston Salem, North Carolina, 27103.