Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley L. Bonnette, 90, of Nacogdoches will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Chireno. Interment will follow at Lower Melrose Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Laird Funeral Home.
Mrs. Bonnette passed away on Thursday November 11, 2021. Mrs. Bonnette was born July 18, 1931, in Modoc, Il. to William T. Houston and Stella Galloway.
Shirley had many accomplishments that she was very proud of beginning with becoming a nurse at a very young age. She enjoyed working in a variety of roles throughout her life and enjoyed the many people she encountered. She spoke often of the time she spent working in Nacogdoches at Castleberry Insurance Agency. Later, she spent several years traveling in retirement with her husband Carroll driving and camping throughout the country from Virginia to Alaska. The people they met on their way were much like their early life together which was enriched by making friends everywhere. However, no relationship was closer than that she had with her sister Nancy despite their separation by distance. Shirley had a special place in her heart for her sister and they were blessed by being able to spend time with one another later in life. Among the many pursuits Shirley had, probably none were as productive as her painting. She thoroughly enjoyed classes in painting although they were unnecessary due to her abilities, but they provided the social interaction she valued more than anything.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Carroll J. Bonnette, her parents, four sisters, Nancy, Holly, Fern, and Doris, one brother, Charles, and one grandson, Quentin. Survivors include sons Michael J. and wife Mona Bonnette of Benton, AR, Richard W. and wife Trudy Bonnette of Wasilla, AK, and Thomas P. Bonnette of Melrose, TX. Also 10 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nacogdoches Senior Citizens Center.
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