Susan Bufford

Mrs. Susan M. Bonapart Bufford, 72, was born on June 16, 1953, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

She peacefully passed away at Atrium Health Carolina Medical Center on Thursday, September

25, 2025. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Robert Bufford; her father, Mr.

Thadius Bonapart Sr.; her mother, Mrs. Annie B. Bonapart; and her sister, Mrs. Alicia B. Harris.

As the cherished eldest child of Thadius and Anne Bonapart, she leaves behind a powerful

legacy of strength and resilience that inspires all who knew her. Susan proudly completed her

primary and secondary education in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, graduating

from Harding High School in 1971. She furthered her academic journey by earning a bachelor’s

degree from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina.

Beginning her impressive career at Southern Bell (now AT&T) at just 16 years old, Susan

dedicated an incredible 30 years to the company, ultimately retiring as a respected Network

Services Manager. Following her successful tenure at BellSouth, she transitioned into consulting

for FairPoint Communications before taking on the role of Teacher's Assistant in the Charlotte-

Mecklenburg School System. She then concluded her career at AmerisourceBergen

Corporation, where she made a significant impact before retiring due to disability in 2018.

Susan began her relationship with Christ at Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church, where she was

baptized and participated in the J.A. Gospel Choir, showing her love for the Lord through her

dedication. Over time, Susan joined the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, where she

had continued to serve, fellowship, and worship faithfully for many years. This unwavering

dedication powerfully illustrates her deep love for both God and the community.

In her free time, Susan found joy in shopping with her sisters and friends, cherishing moments

spent with family, diving into captivating books, and expressing her creativity through sewing.

These activities not only brought her happiness but also strengthened her relationships and

nurtured her passions.

Susan leaves behind her beloved daughter, Mrs. Tracie B. Perry, and her supportive husband,

Cecil; three wonderful grandchildren: Jordon Rouse, Khyra Rouse, and Cecil Perry II; and a

cherished great-granddaughter, Karina Rouse Herring. Two sisters also survive her, Ms. Cheryl

B. Grice and Mrs. Tonia R. B. Smith (married to Aaron); four devoted brothers: Mr. Thadius L.

Bonapart Jr. (married to Gloria), Dr. Anthony B. Bonapart (married to Iris), Mr. Reginald A.

Bonapart, and Mr. Darrell B. Bonapart (married to Tina); as well as her special friend and

partner, Mr. Elijah Mitchell. She is also survived by a multitude of aunts, uncles, nieces,

nephews, cousins, and many friends whose lives she touched and who will forever cherish her

memory.