Lila James Bonner

Though her time with us was far too short, she filled every moment with an extraordinary light, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Lila was a loving big sister and an amazing role model to her younger sisters, Scarlett, age 6, and Wynn, age 2.

Lila was the kindest, most gentle soul, effortlessly making friends wherever she went. Looking back through her pictures, her natural pose was always expressing love through warm, heartfelt hugs. She was the quintessential firstborn, a devoted rule-follower who brought joy and never a moment of trouble to her home or school. A proud Bradfield Bronco, Lila was eagerly anticipating third grade. She adored her school, her friends, and the wonderful teachers and administrators who made it such a special place.

Her love for animals was boundless. Lila would spend hours captivated by "Animal Rescue" and "Animal ER" on Disney, dreaming of a future as a veterinarian. She envisioned opening her own animal rescue center, with her sister Scarlett confidently handling "security."

Lila also possessed a natural athleticism, discovering her passion for sports through the neighborhood YMCA and her phenomenal coaches. She went on to play for the HP Scots club soccer team, where she found her calling as a goalie. Despite her natural talent, her sweet and compassionate nature meant she struggled with the inevitable goals, always putting her teammates' feelings before her own. Beyond soccer, Lila was involved in piano and dance.

Lila's infectious sweetness, boundless love, and gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by her loving family and countless friends. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she was greeted at the gates of heaven by her maternal grandparents, Patricia ("Dizzy") and Larry Christopher ("Pop"), her uncle Rob Christopher, her great-grandmother, Sally ("Mimi") Christopher, all of Crockett, TX, and her great-grandfather, Robert ("Bob") Murphy, Jr., of Harlingen, TX.

Lila is survived by her devoted parents, Caitlin and Blake Bonner, and her cherished little sisters, Scarlett and Wynn, all of Dallas, TX. She also leaves behind her grandparents, Kathy ("Sugie") and Blake Bonner ("Big B") of San Antonio, TX, and her great-grandmother, Lila Lynn Murphy of Harlingen, TX. She is deeply loved by her aunt and uncle Monica and Newton Hopkins of Dallas, TX, uncle Will Christopher of Pagosa Springs, CO, aunt and uncle Ashley and William Bonner of Dallas, TX, and aunt Courtney Bonner of La Jolla, CA. Lila will also be dearly missed by her beloved cousins Rafe and Sims Hopkins and Baker Bonner, whom she was so excited to meet in August. She is mourned by many honorary aunts, uncles, godparents, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

To honor Lila's beautiful legacy, her family has established a foundation to support animal rescue, aptly named Lila's Light. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to LilasLight.org.