Bonita "Bonnie" Smallwood

Bonita “Bonnie” Smallwood passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at home with family at her side. Bonnie was born Bonita Stephenson on February 14, 1922 in Grandfield, Oklahoma. She was the youngest of 5 children born to Thomas Stephenson and Arminta Hurley Stephenson.

She grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma and graduated high school in 1940. In 1941 Bonnie married 2nd Lt. Gerald Walker, a US military pilot, but tragically found herself a widow in 1943 when Gerald was killed in a training accident while piloting a B-24 Liberator Bomber. In 1945, while at a dance at Fort Sill, Bonnie met then 2nd Lt. John P. Smallwood; they were married three months later shortly before John’s return to Europe for a second tour in Germany. Bonnie followed shortly thereafter, toward the end of the WWII, and they lived in Heidelberg a little more than a year; the happy couple were married for 54 years. After 11 years of trying to start a family, John and Bonnie decided to adopt, but life had other plans. Shortly adoption plans were finalized, Bonnie discovered she was pregnant and later gave birth to their son John Smallwood, Jr. Though primarily a homemaker, Bonnie’s life was filled with diverse experiences. During her time in Germany, Bonnie smuggled a shot gun out of Czechoslovakia, she learned to pilot a stick and rudder plane, and faced the travails of post-war Germany. Later in life Bonnie took on multiple jobs including managing an apartment building, becoming a real estate agent and helping to manage the family furniture business here in Burnet. Bonnie believed life was to be lived to its fullest and with no regrets and that a positive attitude was must. Her attitude was always optimistic believing that if today was bad, tomorrow would always be better. Her love for family, friends, and her beloved animals was great and unwavering, and she will be missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Services will be held Friday March 4, 2016 at 10:00 am at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet with interment to follow at Post Mountain Cemetery.

Arrangements were made by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet.

Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com