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Patricia Vansant Bonner Smith, age 69, died July 2, 2009 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. For the past year she was a resident of Governor's Glen, an assisted living community, in Forest Park, GA. She was a native of East Point, GA and a graduate from the Russell High School class of 1958. Shortly after her graduation she was married to Jimmy Bonner who was playing football for Auburn University. They lived at Auburn until Jimmy's graduation and then moved to Carrollton, GA where Jimmy was the assistant football coach and head track coach at Carrollton High School. Patricia was employed with the Carroll County Extension Department of the University of Georgia where she enjoyed a lengthy tenure until her retirement in 2004. Jimmy died in 1977 at age 38 after a lengthy and debilitating illness from a rare spinal disease. Patricia's devoted care of Jimmy through this tragic illness was exemplary and inspiring. Patricia later married Charles Smith, a native of Carrollton. They built a home together on acreage which enabled them to raise cattle as an avocation. Charles died in 2003 after a lengthy illness from lung cancer. She was again called on to provide needed care for her husband and she did so without complaint and with the grace of an angel. Patricia was known for her beauty, her energy, and devotion to her church, Carrollton First Baptist, and to its Music Ministry where she served as a faithful member and soloist. She was especially known for her beautiful voice that inspired all who heard her sing. She also gave much time as a volunteer at the Tanner Memorial Hospital. In addition to Jimmy and Charles Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Ishmael and Sara Vansant and her grandparents, Harvey and Jessie Vansant, Elijah and Pearl Hornsby. Patricia is survived by her son, Van Bonner, and his wife, Christina, of Warner Robins, GA; grandsons, Ben and Brock Bonner of Carrollton, GA; brothers and sister-in-laws, Bob and Anne Vansant of Tucker, GA, Harold and Barbara Vansant of Tyrone, GA; sisters and brother-in-laws, Carole and Larry Jones of Pensacola, FL, Robin and Mike Cook of Peachtree City, GA; two aunts, Louise Clonts of East Point, GA and Evelyn Grice of Vero Beach, FL and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at Carrollton First Baptist Church July 5th at 3:00 PM. Family visitation will precede the service at the church at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Carroll Memory Gardens. Funeral arrangements are being made by the Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City, GA. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Patricia's memory to the Music Ministry of Carrollton First Baptist Church. Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 7/4/2009.

Patricia Vansant Bonner Smith

Obituary

September 27, 1939 - July 2, 2009