Sophia Patrice Iffla was born on October 12, 1965, in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, to the loving union of Julien and Norma Iffla. From the very beginning, Sophia was surrounded by family, love, and the values that would shape the woman she became. She carried those values with her throughout her life, always putting the people she loved before herself. Sophia was a woman who gave of herself freely. She was selfless in a way that could be felt by everyone around her. She was the kind of person who would do without so that someone else could have more. Whether it was her time, her resources, her encouragement, or simply her presence, Sophia found a way to give. Caring for others was not something she only did—it was simply a part of who she was. For 35 years, Sophia faithfully served as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Carrollwood Care Center. Her work was more than a career. It was an extension of the compassion she carried in her heart. She spent her life caring for others, offering comfort, patience, and kindness to those who needed it. Her ability to care for people was a reflection of the love she gave so naturally to her own family. But above all else, Sophia was a mother and grandmother at heart. Her boys were her heart and soul. She loved her sons deeply and took great pride in them. Her grandchildren brought her a special kind of joy, and she treasured the time she spent with them. They were among the greatest blessings of her life. 

Sophia loved her family fiercely and quietly, always wanting the best for them and willing to make sacrifices so they could have more. Sophia also had a tender, playful side that those who knew her will always remember. She had a love for the simple, childlike things that brought her joy. She loved stuffed animals and the comfort and sweetness they brought. She could settle in and enjoy a good movie, finding pleasure in quiet moments at home. And if there was one thing Sophia appreciated, it was a clean space. She loved things neat, orderly, and taken care of. These simple preferences were little pieces of her personality that made her uniquely Sophia. She loved being near the water, whether relaxing at the beach or enjoying a swim. She enjoyed spending time with family, laughing, watching movies, and creating memories with the people she loved. Sophia did not need extravagant things to be happy. She found beauty in the everyday moments in the comfort of home, the people she loved, a good movie, something that made her smile, and a space that was clean and peaceful. Those who knew Sophia will remember her as loving, selfless, funny, caring, and full of faith. She had a warmth about her that made people feel cared for. Her humor could bring laughter, and her generosity often went beyond what people saw. She gave without keeping score and loved without asking for anything in return. Sophia was a woman of faith. Through every season of her life, her faith remained a source of strength and comfort. She trusted in God and carried that faith with her in the way she loved, served, and cared for others.

Sophia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Julien and Norma Iffla.

She leaves to cherish her memory her significant other, Russel C. Sawyer; her sons, Eric Torrence (Keshanie) and Douglas Alexander Iffla; her grandchildren, Zavier Alexander Iffla, Zoltyn Ahkeem Iffla, Kareem Premesh Torrence, Zyon Aston Iffla, and her first granddaughter on the way, Zariyah Alexandria Iffla,; her brother, Courtney Iffla (Yvette); her sisters, Paula Jones and Karenna Haughton (Courtney); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and loved ones.

A Scripture that speaks to the faith Sophia carried throughout her life is Psalm 61:

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”

Though Sophia's physical presence is no longer with us, the love she gave will continue to live on. It will live in her sons, in the grandchildren she adored, in the family she cared for, and in every person whose life she touched. Sophia loved deeply. She gave freely. She cared endlessly. She found joy in the simple things. And she loved her family with her whole heart and soul. Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.