Bonnie W. Thomas Lane

Bonnie W. Thomas Lane, 87, of Dunwoody, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vander and Theo Williams; her first husband, Brock Thomas; and her second husband, Marshall Ross Lane. Bonnie is survived by her brother, Darrell Williams (Donna); her son, Chris Thomas (Elaine); her daughters, Gai Thomas and Julie Coleman; and her five grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Midway United Methodist Church, 5025 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Heart Association in her honor.

Born in Statesville, North Carolina, in 1938, Bonnie attended Wake Forest University before graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology. As one of a very small number of women attending Georgia Tech during its early years of coeducation, Bonnie was a pioneer long before anyone would have thought to call her one.

Music was an important part of Bonnie’s life. An accomplished pianist and organist, she generously shared her talent through years of service to her church and community. Her faith was not simply something she practiced—it was a source of strength and a foundation for how she lived her life.

Bonnie also built an accomplished professional career. She began as an X-ray technologist, developing a deep understanding of both the technical and clinical aspects of orthopedic care. She later became the office administrator for Peachtree Orthopedic Clinic, where her knowledge, leadership, and understanding of clinical operations made her an invaluable part of the practice.

But Bonnie’s greatest accomplishments were not found on a résumé. She was a natural leader who lived life with tremendous zest, purpose, and resilience. Widowed at just 31 years old with three young children, she faced the enormous responsibility of raising her family as a single mother. With the support of her faith, family, and friends, she pressed forward—meeting challenges with determination and continually finding ways to help others along the way.

Bonnie never sought recognition as a pioneer, mentor, or leader. She simply lived her life that way. She opened doors, persevered when circumstances were difficult, served others generously, and demonstrated through her actions what it means to live with courage and purpose.

Perhaps her most enduring legacy is the example she gave her children and grandchildren. She taught them that challenges can be met with resilience, that success is measured by how we serve others, and that life should be lived fully—with faith, generosity, and a little zest.

Her family will remember Bonnie not only for all that she accomplished, but for the strength, love, and example she gave so freely to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched.