Bonnie Marie Spence King was born September 17, 1934 to Clyde and Docia Spence. She was a 1951 graduate of Fair Park High School and a member of Ford Park Baptist Church. When her children reached school age Bonnie went to work as a bank teller for Louisiana Bank and Trust. Not too long after that she moved into the loan department and became the loan manager at the Lakeshore and Jewella branch. After a few years she was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the Pines Road branch. Years later she would transfer to the main office and manage the daily operations. There she stayed until her retirement.
Bonnie loved to entertain during the holidays and her home was always decorated to the max. She was a great party planner and loved to do all the cooking herself. Her most famous dish was her made from scratch chicken and dumplings, a recipe her mom used when she was growing up. When word got out her chicken and dumplings were being served for Sunday lunch we had relatives show up we never knew existed - but she never failed to have plenty. She always topped off that meal with her homemade banana pudding. She was also an avid gardener. She could turn a weed into a beautiful flower and bring any bush or shrub back to life with a little fresh dirt and water. Her yard was always the envy of the neighborhood and was kept groomed by her yardboys, Byron and Kenny.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her father and mother, Clyde and Docia Spence, her siblings and spouses, Willard Lupo and spouse Quida, Hilton Spence and spouse Frances, Louise Schnabel and spouse Charles, Houston Spence, Aline Schurman and spouse George, and Charles Spence and spouse Linda.
Bonnie is survived by the love of her life Byron King for over 70 years. She is also survived by her loving children, Wendy Clark and Kenny King. She is mamaw to Blaine and Angela Wilkins, Shane Wilkins, Emilee King, and Chandler King. The great-grandma to Turner Wilkins and Emersyn Picou. Coming from a family of seven, there are numerous nieces and nephews. Also, left to cherish her memory is her extended family Mary Ann Ellers, Haiden and Kailey Landry, and Wilson Canizares.
The family would like to thank her nurses, doctors, and her around the clock caregivers for their dedication to her comfort and well-being. A very special thank you to Lori Hairrell who not only loved our mom as her own, but became a special part of our family. Words cannot express how blessed we were to have two angels for their generous support in providing 24/7 care so mom could live her remaining time at home with her husband.
A Visitation for Bonnie will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Donnie Vercher officiating. Interment will take place at Centuries Memorial Park immediately following the service. Honoring the family as pallbearers will be Blaine Wilkins, Chandler King, Shane Wilkins, Turner Wilkins, Andy Bogdan and Rankin Schurman.
