Shirley Ann Davis Bonnot

SHIRLEY ANN DAVIS BONNOT

  EDNA - Shirley Ann Davis Bonnot went to her heavenly home on Monday, March 2, 2009, at the age of 73. She was born on May 18, 1935 in Smiley and attended elementary school in Corpus Christi and Beeville. After graduation from Edna High School, she studied general business at Victoria College, where she was chosen Western Week Sweetheart.
  Shirley was employed as a legal secretary by both the Jackson County attorney and judge. Before the late John Hill became attorney general of Texas, he came to Edna on legal business. Before returning to Austin he remarked that he would like to take Shirley back with him. She also served as secretary to the superintendent of schools and did independent income tax work.
  For some 40 years Shirley was actively involved at First Baptist Church, Edna. She taught 6th grade girls in Sunday school and was a volunteer with the Young Women's Auxiliary and the high school Training Union and youth programs. She was also a longtime choir member. For years she sang solos and or duets with Nell Frazier at weddings and funerals. Once, talking about the type of funeral she wanted, Shirley said, "I want great music because I loved it so, especially when I could sing. It was so hard to sit out front and not be in the choir." Health issues took away her beautiful soprano voice.
  She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Missions' Possible Circle before chronic illness beginning in the late 1990's forced her to curtail her church and social activities.
  In spite of family tragedies not of her doing and extreme physical challenges, Shirley never wavered in her faith in God, up-beat and optimistic outlook and thankful attitude. The graceful, cheerful way she handled life as a shut-in was an inspiration to us all.
  The family wishes to express their gratitude to three special loving ladies who were her daytime caregivers, Evelyn Tomanek, Annie Garza and Lolise Herrera.
  Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert C. and Lorene Smith Davis.
  She is survived by her husband, Harold W. Bonnot of La Ward; son, John Mark Bonnot and wife Penny, and their children, Kevin of Coppell and Derric and wife Meagan of Miami; son, Brent Bonnot of Houston; and brothers, Joe Tom Davis and wife Kathy, and Cecil Davis and wife Pat, all of El Campo. She is also survived by her nephew, Stephen Davis of El Campo; and niece, Susan Stockton and husband Kinnan and their children, Savannah and Davis, all of Louise. Shirley also leaves behind a host of friends.
  The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. today, March 4, in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in the First Baptist Church of Edna. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens of Edna Cemetery. The Rev. Danny Reeves will be officiating.
  Pallbearers will be Derric Bonnot, Kevin Bonnot, Stephen Davis, Kinnan Stockton, Thornton Menefee, Jay Rasmussen, Britten Parish, and Joey Bonnot.
  Honorary pallbearers are Lee Phillips, Bob Hutson, A.J. Peters, and Larry Shook.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Edna, 309 Cottonwood, Edna, Texas 77957 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, Texas 78761.
  Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.