Mrs. Bonnie Lee DeHart, age 78 of Stuart, passed from this life on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Atrium Health Baptist Hospital with her loving family in attendance. She was born on March 7, 1945, in Washington, D.C. to the late Lloyd and Ann Shoemaker Henderson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Elijah Aaron “Junior” DeHart who passed in 1989; her only son, Terry Lee Carter, who passed suddenly in 2014; a half-brother, John D. Pope, Jr.; and a sister, Jacklyn Ann Golladay.
She and her family were among the first members of the newly formed Victory Baptist Church at Nokesville, VA before moving to Patrick County. She attended school at Osbourn High School, Manassas, and Nokesville High School, Class of ’63.
She retired from Patrick County Social Services in 2008 with over 28 ½ years of service. She began her career as the first worker to administer the heating assistance program in 1979. She then moved to the clerical unit and from there to the food stamp eligibility unit. She rose to supervisor over the entire eligibility unit until her retirement due to declining health. She thoroughly enjoyed working with her clients over the years as well as her co-workers who became like family.
Her passion was breeding and showing her beloved Boston Terriers all across Virginia and neighboring states. They were sold to customers all across Virginia, North and South Carolina, Maryland, and Florida. She was a member of the N.C. Boston Terrier Club and V. President in the early 90’s. The highlight of her career was having her Champion “Russell” selected for competition at the Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
She loved cooking for her family gatherings, feeding the hummingbirds and raising the most beautiful potted flowers every Spring. She loved listening to “ole time rock and roll” music. She could sing along with most of the songs knowing the words to them. She lamented that today’s music didn’t “say anything”.
She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Sherrie Pearson Kendrick of Bellevue, WA, Brooke Renee and Brandon Spencer of Stuart; one grandson, Bradley Kendrick of Bellevue, WA; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Gilbert and husband, Jack of Bellevue, WA, Nicole Carter Medina and husband, Miguel of Stuart; four great grandsons, Mason Reilly Carter, Ryker Ethan Medina, twins: Alex Jameson and Ben Carter Gilbert; one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Karla Henderson of Stephenson, VA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear in-laws also survive. Also surviving is her precious constant companion, Tinker.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 30, 2023, at 2;00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with Pastor Shaun Draughn officiating. Burial will follow in Patrick Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made in her memory to the Patrick County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be made to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
