Bonnie Fleming Tiemann

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bonnie Lou Fleming Tiemann,

beloved wife, mother, friend, and devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. She was carried by her Savior’s loving arms into Heaven on September 9, 2024. Bonnie lived a life of love, purpose, and boundless compassion. She was a committed and loving wife to her husband of 47 years, Michael C. Tiemann, amazing mother to Richard Tiemann and Jennifer (Tiemann) Kafer, and the best grandmother to her four favorite grandkids: Leah Tiemann (18), Levi Tiemann (14), Nash Kafer (7), and Lane Joy Kafer (5).

Bonnie was born in Canton, Ohio on July 1, 1955 to her loving parents David G. Fleming and Pauline Comer Fleming. She was their youngest child and only daughter. Bonnie enjoyed a happy childhood full of fun and many adventures with her two older brothers, Doug and David (Michael) Fleming. Their father’s career moved the young family to several cities with Brandon, Florida being the place the family eventually settled permanently. Bonnie attended Brandon Senior High School (c/o 1973) and spent many of her days there on the Eagle football field with the Dancerettes. Bonnie made many lifelong friends during her time at Brandon High School. A group of these dear friends continues to gather monthly; Bonnie always looked forward to their meet-ups, and to hearing everyone’s life updates. After high school, Bonnie briefly attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida before she transferred her studies to Georgia Baptist Nursing School in Atlanta, Georgia. Bonnie graduated as an RN in 1977.

In 1977, Bonnie married Michael C. Tiemann and together they started a family. Bonnie's family was deeply important to her and an achievement she believed to be her greatest in life. As a mother, she was endlessly loving and supportive through life’s highs and lows. Her children always knew they could count on her for wisdom and encouragement. Bonnie’s unwavering faith in the Lord and love were the cornerstones of her household and the foundation on which she raised her family. Her hard earned wisdom and strength guided her family through life’s many challenges. Bonnie's family grew and made her a proud grandmother; it brought her immeasurable joy to dote on her four grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with them and loved being present in their lives for the “real stuff.” Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was their biggest fan. Bonnie was always present for them, and always celebrating their achievements big and small. Bonnie gathered the family as often as possible; hosting weekly family dinners at her home up until the time of her passing. Those relaxed Sunday evenings spent together with the grandkids swimming and everyone sharing a home-cooked meal will forever be cherished in our hearts.

Bonnie dedicated her professional life to caring for others and found her true calling in healthcare in the field of HIV. She worked as a Research Nurse at St. Joseph’s Comprehensive Research Institute in the early years of HIV care. At that time, the world’s fear of HIV was palpable and the challenges were many and Bonnie embraced those challenges. She treated everyone with kindness and was an angel to all of her patients: giving them hope to live and, when necessary, helping them find peace and closure at the end of their lives. In 1995, she was a founding Mother of St. Joseph’s TAMPA Care, a clinic that offers compassionate, free care to adults living with HIV. In recognizing the need for more caregivers to manage this unique group of patients, Bonnie returned to school earning a Masters Degree in Nursing and became a Nurse Practitioner in 1997. Bonnie did not break stride nor waver in her commitment to the HIV community. Her career in HIV care afforded her the opportunity to travel and grow professionally, personally and spiritually. Equally important, Bonnie’s devotion and loyalty to her colleagues was unsurpassed. She was the first to offer her peers a hand up, a ride home, and a sick bed visit. When Bonnie retired in 2021 she ensured a smooth transition for her patients and her work family.

Bonnie was a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church of Brandon, Florida, where she volunteered tirelessly serving others. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she found great joy in supporting her church family. Whether teaching Sunday school, volunteering with Marvelous Mentors, or delivering a warm quiche and kind words to those in need, Bonnie embodied the true spirit of Christian service. She quietly sought out those who were hurting or in need of encouragement and wrapped her arms around them. Her dedication to the Lord and her church was evident in everything she did, and her legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Bonnie’s life was filled with both wonderful and tragic experiences. She believed that life was about the journey and “carried on” through the good and the bad. Though we mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman, we take solace in knowing that she is with her Savior, whom she loved deeply and served faithfully throughout her life. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Michael C. Tiemann, her children Richard Tiemann (and wife, Jessica) and Jennifer Kafer (and husband, Chris), her grandchildren, Leah, Levi, Nash, and Lane, her brothers Doug Fleming (and wife, Gay) and Michael Fleming (and wife, Donna), her Aunt, Beckie Hanks (and husband, Al) and many other family and friends.

Her legacy of strength, love, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.