Bonnie June Bowles

Bonnie Bowles-Hendon, age 90, of Melbourne, Florida, entered glory and met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 17, 2023. Bonnie was born in Beckley, West Virginia to Willis and Helen Bailey and she was one of 5 siblings. She was saved at a young age and participated regularly in youth group activities. She graduated in 1950 from Woodrow High School. She began work at Montgomery Ward as a PBX operator and remained with the company for 24 years.

Bonnie married Delmis Conrad Bowles in 1950 and they moved to Melbourne, Florida, in 1957. They had two children, D.C. Bowles and Brenda Bowles. Upon moving to Florida, Bonnie taught Sunday school at June Park Baptist Church. She and her husband enjoyed square-dancing and met some of their closest friends at these gatherings. They were also avid campers and shared this with all of their grandchildren. Bonnie and Conrad were married for 50 years and she loved him well and served as his caregiver before he passed away in 2000.

After the loss of her husband, she continued to care for as many as she could. She volunteered for the Leisure of the Blind, helping to chauffeur them to events and becoming their friend. She helped her family through many difficult times, always giving of herself. She cooked, cleaned, watched children and gave what was needed. Bonnie married her second husband, James Collie Herndon, on February 14, 2009. They were married 12 years, and again she became a loving caretaker for Jim before his death in 2020.

Toward the end of her life, she enjoyed watching RFDTV and many game shows. She loved word searches and receiving pictures and updates about all of her family, especially all of her great grandchildren and their many accomplishments. She often gave to charities and churches that she felt led by the Lord to support. She began every morning by reading her Bible and praying for her loved ones.

She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends. Dear mother to D.C. Bowles (Glynis) and Brenda Bowles (Frank). Beloved Mawmaw to Melissa, Janelle, Adam, Amanda and Ashley. Loving Great Mawmaw to 17 great grandchildren. By marriage, she also became considered a grandma to Paul, Keith and Missy and she was blessed with another 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. She also has many nieces, nephews, and family by her marriage to Jim, all of which she cared for immensely.

Whether you called her Mom, Mawmaw, Great Mawmaw, Bonnie, Aunt, friend; she has been a blessing to each of you in one way or another. She was always serving or giving and many lives were touched by her generosity.

Friends and family will be received at Heritage Baptist Church (700 Hollywood Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32904) on Friday, September 22, 2023. A celebration of life will take place from 2:30-3:30 pm, with viewing before at 2 pm. Burial to follow at Florida Memorial Gardens (5950 US-1, Rockledge, FL 32955).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Bowles family.