Mariya Rochelle Butler "Bonnie" Wright

Remembering when you used to leave me a poem recited from memory on my answering machine, back when we still had those tape things. Just loved that you did that, Bonnie.

My dear friend, my heart breaks knowing that I didn't even know until now that you had gone and that I wasn't with you when you left us. We were best friends since that party at Lake Julian when you walked up to me and asked "Are you shy? This was shortly after I moved to Asheville, NC over 40 years ago. We went through so much, together and apart, life, death, love, poetry and song. I remember the joy of hearing you recite a poem and leaving it on the answering machine when I got home from...

Thinking of you on your birthday today, Bonnie. Little did we know when we wished you last year it would be the last time. So glad to have known you ,

Bonnie was first my brother's friend, who over the years become a good friend of my Mom and me. When my Dad passed away 29 years ago, after I'd only met her once, she wrote me a very touching letter that I have always treasured.
She was no stranger to tragedy in her own life and yet was the gentlest sweetest human being. She told us that she was going into surgery some days prior. We told her we'd pray for her. We never heard from her after that although all three of us called and...

I just found out about Bonnie's passing. I am so sad. Several years ago we started corresponding, and realized that we were related. Her father's mother was a Rochelle from Kinston, NC & sister to my great grandfather. I had corresponded with her in June but had no idea until today that she had passed. We had never met; but she was such a sweet soul and we talked a lot on the phone. RIP Bonnie Rochelle Butler.