Janelle Bonnett

Janelle Bonnett, 75, died on Friday, November 3, 2023, at UAB Medical Center, after a tenacious 10-year journey with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In her own words, she "went out like a trooper," giving all the effort she could give, as long as she possibly could. Her life ended courageously and peacefully, surrounded by her husband and daughters.

Janelle was born Frances Janelle Blackledge, on September 22, 1948, in Laurel, Mississippi. Truthfully, her early years were full of adversity. She fiercely loved her sister, Jeanette, and found moments of safety with her cherished Aunt Margaret and Uncle Kell. She graduated from R.H. Watkins High School and soon met Danny, her husband of 56 years, while attending Jones County Junior College. She described Danny as "her hero"; they married on June 18, 1967. Janelle shifted her focus to supporting Danny while he finished his studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. Janelle and Danny enjoyed newlywed adventures in Mississippi and Texas before settling in Alabama.

In early family years, Janelle worked an array of interesting jobs so she could spend as much time as possible being a mom to her two daughters, Kim and Danielle. She enjoyed sewing, photography, playing games, tending a garden, and making family events extra special. At the age of 40, she took a courageous leap and returned to college, having been so deeply impacted by an elementary school teacher that she had always aspired to be that person for other kids in need. In true Janelle fashion, she didn't settle for less than an A+ and graduated with top honors from Auburn University at Montgomery. Janelle taught for 12 years in kindergarten, third grade and—her most favorite—fifth grade science and math. She found God easily in science and nature, and whenever she had the choice, she was outside.

Janelle loved fully and gave generously. Even when she was enduring hard times herself, she found joy in serving others. If you've ever had her cinnamon rolls, chocolate cookies, or chicken and dumplings, you know that she often found the way to your heart through her kitchen. More than anything, Janelle absolutely loved to see a child's face light up from a special homemade treat. Her favorite names to be called were Nana by her own grandchildren, and Mama B by her special family friends. She said that her best work was in her family, which always included her closest friends. Her faith communities at Shoal Creek Baptist Church, Deatsville and First Baptist Church, Wetumpka were also central to her life. Her legacy lives on in each one of us that experienced her caring and generous spirit. She would want us all to be at peace, knowing that she is now eternally in the presence of Jesus.

To continue her legacy, Janelle leaves behind her husband - Danny Bonnett; daughter - Kim Bowles (Linton); daughter - Danielle Keeton (Justin); grandchildren - Ashton Bowles, Katelyn Bowles, Carson Bowles, Owen Keeton and Noah Keeton; sister - Jeanette Calloway and niece - Jennifer Nelson; brother-in-law - Terry Bonnett (Fran); and a large community of beloved friends.

Janelle wished to continue inspiring learning and curiosity in service of others, even after her death. She chose to make a full anatomical donation to UAB's Anatomical Donor Program, Heersink School of Medicine. Although she adored flowers and plants, she requested that no one "waste their money on that". Please honor her with a donation to one of her chosen organizations instead:

UAB, Division of Hematology and Oncology www.uab.edu.medicine/hemonc/give

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society www.lls.org

Samaritan's Purse www.samaritanspurse.org

She will be honored with a memorial service in the worship center of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, 2961 Coosa River Road, Deatsville, Alabama on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. Visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m. All are invited and welcome to join the family for a celebratory meal and joyful story-sharing immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. The family invites her friends and family to come prepared to share a favorite story or memory of Janelle.