Bonnie Lee Leighton

Born, Bonnie Lee Sherrill to parents George Sherrill and Genevieve Wilkins on April 16, 1937 in Los Angeles, CA. She is survived by her sisters Margie White and Pam Livingston, her three children; Andrew McAllister, Robert McAllister and Cheryl DuPree, four grandchildren and one great grandchild (with one on the way).

Lifelong friends remember as a young woman Bonnie loved to go dancing and was pretty good on her feet. A favorite dance spot was the Chatter Box. Even after she stopped going out to dance she could be caught dancing with her daughter in the living room.

Bonnie worked most of her life as a Key Punch Operator and for over 25 years as a faithful sales associate for JC Penney. Anyone who ever worked alongside her loved her and would always say she was the sweetest person. They were absolutely right. The truth is she was known to be a diligent, hard worker; often times working two jobs while being a single mom. Her kids have great memories of her getting off of her late job and going out to “breakfast” in the wee hours of the morning to get some quality time in.

Her love language was always gift giving. Her kids will tell you that even as she got older and her choice in gifts tended to be from the returns to JC Penney, you could count on a thoughtful gift for every occasion. Frequently this also meant she would argue with you to let her pick up the tab for a shared lunch out; after of course complaining about the prices being too high. It was just her way.

Bonnie’s favorite pastimes were time with friends; a lunch date and shopping or best of all she loved to go to dinner and a show; most of the time smuggling in her own popcorn and Diet Coke.

The last several years she wrestled with her mobility; always insisting she could do all the things she was quite used to doing on her own. Even until the last weeks of her life she maintained a feisty, sarcastic, sharp wit. She never missed a beat even if she wasn’t quite sure what she’d eaten for dinner. She knew every bit of celebrity gossip, had serious opinions about the best couple on “Dancing with the Stars” and knew who was expecting a baby and when. Everyone who ever cared for her knew her to ask how they were, how old their kids were, when they were going to “get that ring” or if they wanted a Diet Coke. Bonnie had a big heart and stayed stubborn her whole life. That stubbornness is a trait she passed on to her kids and that will be missed, terribly.

A special thank you to the staff at Candlelight Homes. Her last 2 years were filled with love and tenderness. Late night staff would regularly bring in that popcorn and Diet Coke and enjoy some tv time with her. They have been a huge blessing in Bonnie’s life as well as for the whole family.

The family will be remembering Bonnie in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Spokane.