Bonita Benfield Leary

Bonita Benfield Leary, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 88 on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She was born on June 9, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of Rev. Knolan and Emma Benfield. Her father served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Hickory and Morganton, North Carolina, where her faith was deeply nurtured.

Bonita devoted her life to serving alongside her husband, Rev. David Omega Leary. Together, they ministered as church planters through the North American Mission Board, serving as missionaries in New Jersey, Delaware, and Long Island, New York. They later returned to eastern North Carolina, where they served the Neuse River Baptist Association before retiring to Morganton. Bonita was a steadfast support to her husband’s calling while embracing her own ministry leadership roles both within and beyond the churches they served.

She led music programs beginning at Kennedy Home, part of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, and continued in churches including Spilman Memorial in Kinston, NC, and West Monmouth Church in Freehold, NJ. Bonita was also a devoted leader in the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), serving both locally and as President of the WMU for New York.

In addition to her ministry work, Bonita had a passion for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). She viewed it not only as an educational service but as a ministry of welcome—building bridges with people from around the world and offering kindness, patience, and the gift of communication. Many of her ESL students became dear friends, drawn to her warm spirit and genuine care.

Bonita also helped launch God’s Maturing Children (GMC), bringing together seniors from across Burke County for fellowship, education, and fun. She was the founder of the first Burke County Parkinson’s Support Group, offering encouragement and resources to those navigating the challenges of the disease.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Bonita cherished holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, and especially the treasured tradition of a week at the beach each summer—where generations came together to laugh, build puzzles, share meals and devotions, and create lasting memories.

Bonita is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Rev. David Omega Leary; her children: Emma (Ira) Kramer, Stanley Leary (Dorie Griggs), and Hannah (Greg) Poe; her grandchildren: Rebecca (Cameron) Manzi, Rachael Kramer, Nelson (Carly) Lalli, Taylor Lalli, Michelle Leary, Joshua (Madison) Poe, and Elijah Poe; and her great-grandchildren: Christian Kramer, Adaline and Oliver Manzi, Knox Lalli, and Joshua David Jr. and Leia Poe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother and only sibling, Knolan Benfield Jr.

She loved the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, strength, and mind. The legacy of her faith and service will continue through the lives of those who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Bonita’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Morganton on Monday, November 24, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:30–2:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:

First Baptist Church of Morganton Missions

PO Drawer 459

Morganton, NC 28680