A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.
Bonnie was born in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 20, 1950, to Dorothy Wall Smith and the late Russell Earl Smith. She lived in Broward County until 1968 and then moved on her own to Atlanta. Bonnie met her husband, David A. Tyler when both were working at the Scotch House. They married in 1974.
Bonnie earned her bachelor’s from Georgia State University in 1982, taught school in Dekalb County for four years, and then moved to Upson County, where she taught school for 21 years.
Bonnie had a fabulous sense of humor, quick wit, and a kind heart. She was ageless and yet always current, whether the subject was music, fashion, or reality television. She created epic playlists to share her love of music with family and friends. She could hold a conversation in song lyrics.
Bonnie was a better cook than she would admit, a talented photographer, and an avid reader. She loved a crackling fire and a jigsaw puzzle in the winter, Georgia Tech football and the angle of the sun in the fall, and days on the beach when the weather was warm. Bonnie’s keen interest in the weather meant she could forecast it better than most. Her annual declaration that “fall is in the air” was always a welcome sign that the summer heat was ending.
Bonnie’s smile was radiant, and when she laughed, which she did often, you felt wrapped in sunshine. To see her wipe tears of laughter from those bright blue eyes was a gift. Bonnie was that person who made everything more fun – a football game, a concert, a Broadway musical, a trip to the beach, a trip to Europe, roasting hotdogs around the fire pit, or just chatting on her back deck. No matter how much time you spent with her, it was never enough.
Bonnie was a devoted wife, mother, and “BB” to her granddaughters. She was a loving daughter to her mother and a loyal and thoughtful friend. Bonnie volunteered for several charitable activities in the community and served her church, First Presbyterian, as a trustee, a member of the finance committee, and in other ways, including singing in the choir. She also served on the board of the Upson EMC Foundation.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Russell Earl Smith; her brother, James Russell Smith; and her beloved husband, David Avery Tyler, who passed in 2016.
She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Smith; daughter, Hayley Tyler Holston (Richard); son, Matthew Tyler (Kristy); and granddaughters, Sarabelle and Collins Tyler. She is also survived by other relatives, including several nieces and nephews and many close friends.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Tyler Fund at First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston at 403 Birdsong St., Thomaston, 30286.
Coggins Funeral Home
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