Abilene Reporter News
Bonita "Bonnie" Wilkins Sumners
Bonita "Bonnie" Wilkins Sumners, 72, died Thursday, November 21, 2002 at
Hendrick Medical Center. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday,
November 23, 2002 at the Clyde Church of Christ with Jim Hall officiating.
Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home,
5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene.
Bonnie was born on June 22, 1930 in Holder, Texas located in Brown County
the daughter of Homer and Beulah (Smith) Wilkins. The family moved to Roby
in 1931. She attended both Roby and Hamlin schools. On July 27, 1961 she married
Jesse W. (Dub) Sumners in Kermit, Texas. Throughout their marriage, they lived
in San Angelo, Colorado, and Oregon. They moved to Abilene in 1969 where they have
made their home for the past 33 years. Bonnie retired from Taylor Elementary
where she worked in the cafeteria until 1989. After her retirement she worked as a
greeter at the Judge Ely location of Wal-Mart. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Bonnie loved getting together with family and friends and playing games like
Train dominoes, Skip Bo, Bingo and Bowling. She also enjoyed crocheting and making crafts.
Survivors include her husband, Jesse W. "Dub" Sumners of Abilene; one loving
daughter and son-in-law, Louise and Richard Clark of Hamby; two sons, Robert Sumners
of Austin, James Sumners and his wife Lisa of Abilene; one step-daughter,
Lynetta Smith and husband Terry of Denver, Colorado; eight grandchildren,
Dawn and Larry Dollins of Austin, Viola Baker, Jerry Hill Jr., Steven Hill,
and Jonas Hill of Lovington, New Mexico, Tommy Sumners of U.S. Army, Fort Hood,
Andrea Sumners of Abilene; eight great grandchildren, Coly and Lance McCasland
of Austin, Ryan and Jake Baker, Schylar, Taylor, Stephanie, Brother Hill all of
Lovington, New Mexico; five sisters, Ilene Knight and husband Tom of
El Paso, Nadine Taylor, Billie McCright, Roberta Warford all of Clyde, and
June Hill and husband Ed of Vera; longtime friend Nell Hopper
and a sister-in-law, Mickie; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Jerry Hill, her first husband
Elza Ray Hill, one brother, Stanley Wilkins, one sister, Darcell Starnes,
and a step-son, Ricky Sumners.
Pallbearers for the service will be Danny McCright, Mike Baldree, Kevin Thornton,
Carl Mason, Robert Barton, and Steven Clark.
Bonnie Sumners, our mom, being around her children, family, and friends brought
her great joy. Mom was a caring, fun loving, and generous person. She would do anything
for anyone without a question or concern for her own welfare. She will be greatly missed
by all who knew her.
Memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center.
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