After graduating from Sharon High School, Bonnie moved to Memphis, Tennessee with her best friend, Jean, and her cousin, Caroline. Bonnie went to work as an Executive Secretary for Mathis Brothers Insurance Company.
In Memphis, Bonnie met her husband of 46 years, James "Jim" Holland Thompson, on a blind date. His job in sales for Colgate Palmolive Company took them all over the Southeastern United States, landing them in Birmingham, Alabama in 1975.
After 15 years as a homemaker, Bonnie returned to work, serving in many capacities for Zimpro-Passavant, Inc./ U.S Filter until her retirement at the age of 74. In her later years, she made phone calls collecting donations for the Exchange Club.
Bonnie was a long-time member in Vestavia Hills, Alabama at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where she served with the ECW, Flower Guild, and Lunch Bunch. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, and hosting foyer group for her church friends, but her greatest passion was her family. Her granddaughters and great-granddaughters were her world.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Addie Mae Gaylord; brother and sister-in-law, Dayne and Ellen Gaylord; brother-in-law, Lloyd Thompson; and beloved son-in-law, Carey Jett. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Jett; granddaughter, Kathleen Jett; granddaughter and grandson-in law, Lauren and Avery Gregory; great-granddaughters, Ayden Jett, Harper, and Charlie Gregory; great-grandson due in September, Wyatt Gregory; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Barbara Gaylord; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2870 Acton Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 from 2-3 p.m., followed by A Service of Remembrance at 3 p.m. at the church. The burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
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