Bonnie Smith

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Bonnie Jean (Bowman) Smith, age 80, of Valley View, TX, beloved mother, sister, friend, and passionate equestrian, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024 in Gainesville, TX.

Born December 19, 1943 in Washington, DC, Bonnie's early years were marked by a unique and adventurous lifestyle, as her family’s military enlistment took them across the world. By the age of three, Bonnie had already begun a life of travel, attending 14 schools in 12 years. Despite the constant moves, she never lost her passion for horses. Bonnie graduated from Falkville High School in Alabama in 1961 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Georgia in 1965. Her love for the English language endured throughout her life.

In 1965, Bonnie embarked on a new adventure as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines, a role she cherished. Her work took her to many destinations around the world, but it was in Virginia where Bonnie truly found her calling. She immersed herself in the show horse community, where her lifelong passion for horses flourished. In the mid-70s, Bonnie moved to Houston and joined the choir at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, where she met her husband, Bob. They were married there in 1976 and welcomed their son, Bo, the following year. Throughout this time, Bonnie continued riding, training and showing her beloved stallion, Jetstar’s Delight. The Smith family moved to Valley View in 1985 where they finally were able to live on a farm. And the number of animals, particularly horses, grew quickly.

Bonnie’s love for horses began in her childhood. Her treasured copy of Black Beauty bore the marks of her youthful creativity, with horses adorned with bridles and saddles drawn by her own hand. Her father made her pull weeds once, only to find that she did so in the shape of a horse. This early connection to her passion continued throughout her life. Her career in the show ring produced numerous blue ribbons, silver platters and silver belt buckles as several of her horses and riders achieved World Champion status. If it had a mane and a tail, she was in her element and was fearless. She also participated for years as a co-leader of the local 4-H Club. Bonnie was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Gainesville, where she sang in the choir.

Bonnie was predeceased by her husband, Bob; her brother, John; and by her parents, Frank Smith Bowman, Jr., and Vivian Louise (Taylor) Bowman.

Survivors include her son, Bo and his wife, Claudia, of Valley View; sister Susan Badgio and husband, Jim, of Indian Harbour Beach, FL; niece, Rachel Geidel, of Melbourne, FL; close friend, Shirley Hatfield, of Gainesville; and several cousins.

A memorial service to honor Bonnie’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Gainesville, TX. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Arrangements have been entrusted to Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. You may register your condolences online at www.geojcarroll.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bonnie’s memory to Noah's Ark Animal Shelter, 2501 N. Weaver St., Gainesville, TX 76240.

Bonnie's spirit of adventure and deep connection to horses will be remembered and celebrated by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists