Born on February 11, 1936, Bonnie Mae White James lived an honorable life. In her youth, she was a member of the Order of the Rainbow, a Freemason organization for girls. It was there that she learned of the importance of faith, loving others, and serving one's community. As an adult, was a member of the Order of the Moose, a charitable organization, and participated in its government on both state and national levels.

When she was twenty-five years old, Bonnie married the love of her life, Jessie James. She was more than his wife. She was his partner. Together, they had many successful businesses. They enjoyed hosting social gatherings and entertaining. When they saw a need in the community or with individuals and families, they would strive to meet those needs, often at their own expense.

Bonnie loved her family. She and Jessie raised four girls out in Oak Grove and parented many that were not their own. She was a tough parent. Raising a house full of kids demanded it. But she was also a loving parent, and her children knew her love and came to appreciate the sacrifices she made for them. She was a hard worker and even after a long day of working alongside her husband, she cooked and cared for her family.

Bonnie lived her Christian faith and laid a foundation of faith for her children. She took them to St. Ann's Episcopal Church and when her children were young, served as a Sunday School teacher. She read from both her Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. She was a model of reverence for the Lord. Toward the end of her life, Bonnie was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Zolfo Springs.

To know Bonnie was to love her. She was kind and accepted people just the way they were. She found value in others, even when they could not see that for themselves. She was a hugger and told people she loved them. For some, she was likely the only one to speak life into their lives.

Bonnie died peacefully in her sleep on January 3, 2023. She will be greatly missed by her daughters: Ana Collom, Mary Lynn Brown, Maria James, and Bonnie Martinez. She is survived by one brother, Carl White, a slew of nieces and nephews, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Bonnie was one of a kind and the world is better because of her presence in it.

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church of Wauchula, Florida.

Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dave Harper and Kenneth Kirk officiating. Burial will be in Wauchula City Cemetery, Wauchula.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.