Bonna Jo Shanks

Bonna Jo Shanks – Saltillo, MS

Bonna Jo “BJ” passed peacefully from this life into her Heavenly home on Monday, July 8, 2024, with her family by her side. She enjoyed 74 years on this beautiful earth, and was a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Bonna Jo “BJ” was born in Columbus, MS on March 11, 1950, to Howard Franklin Montgomery Sr. and Lucy Ruth Montgomery. She is survived by her husband of 18 years, David Shanks; former husband and lifelong friend, Crowell Hood Armstrong; daughter, Neshia Armstrong Hardin (Matt); son, Crowell Chadwick Armstrong (Sommer); grandchildren, McCoy Armstrong Scott (Jake), John Wesley Hardin, and Maggie Claire Hardin; and great-granddaughter, Callaway Elise Scott. Bonna is also survived by her brother, Howard Franklin Montgomery Jr. (Shelia); her nieces, Marcy Anne Montgomery, Francisca Leigh Montgomery (Brian); and nephew, Shann Lance Montgomery (Mary). 

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Donald Dean Montgomery (Nancy); and nephew, Donald Dean Montgomery Jr.

Bonna was blessed with remarkable beauty, both inside and out. Her lively personality, as well as her above average charm awarded her with a host of great friendships in both Houston and Columbus. Because of her loyalty and compassion, those friendships, as well as the ones gained while at Ole Miss, have lasted a lifetime. In high school, she was a talented majorette, band member, annual homecoming court selection, as well as Homecoming Queen her senior year. She had many other talents as well, such as sewing and cooking, but none of which would compare to her roles as Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. Her love of family ran deep. Her main focus in life and top priority was the love of her family. 

Bonna will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but rest assured those relationships have not come to an end, but have simply been postponed for a short while, awaiting the great reunion. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord. We do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Private graveside services honoring her life will take place at a later date. Pegues Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Bonna Jo Shanks arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.