Dorothy Brett Bonnette, 86, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2013, at The Renaissance, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She was born on April 10, 1927, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the second daughter of George Harold and Margaret Brett.
Dorothy graduated from Ponca City High School, attended Oklahoma A&M and graduated from Texas College for Women in 1949. After receiving her certification as an Occupational Therapist, she worked in Texas and Oklahoma until her marriage to Ibrey T. Bonnette, on August 1, 1964.
They were transferred to Houston in 1965 and moved to Beaumont in 1980 for their retirement years. Ibrey graduated from Texas A&M in 1940 and the retirement freed the couple to attend all of the home football games and Dorothy became a dedicated supporter of the Texas Aggies. They often traveled to games away from Kyle Field.
They were members of First Baptist Church of Beaumont and Dorothy worked in the church library, the children’s department and Vacation Bible School.
She was an excellent cook and enjoyed having friends and family over for dinner, where she cooked up one of her “new dishes”. After dinner, you had the opportunity to watch the latest Aggie game.
Dorothy enjoyed traveling, reading, sewing, and putting puzzles together. One special thing she always made at Christmas was her Aunt Bill’s Candy, which was always a hit with everyone.
Most of Ted and Dorothy’s holidays were celebrated at the home of Mike and Marilyn Hebert, a niece. She was always greeted by, Duchess, the family Rat Terrier who loved for Dorothy to hold her. Dorothy referred to Duchess as her puppy.
She is survived by a sister, Charlotte Paden; nephew, Brett Paden and his wife, Jill, and children, Brett and Joseph; nephew, Dr. Mark Paden and his wife, Shayna, and children, William and Alex; nephew, Beverly T. Nelson; the Bonnette nieces and nephews, Mildred Barton, Donna Hall, Marilyn Hebert, Judy McCullough, Sherri Pulliam, David Bonnette, Brenda Wilson, Steve Sledge, Sally Sledge, Bonnie Dodson, Gail Henderson, and Gary Bonnette, who always thought of her as a loving and caring aunt.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband; mother; father; and two sisters, Elizabeth Brett and Ellen Nelson; and niece, Margaret Cheney.
A gathering of Mrs. Bonnette’s family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m., with her funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont with her nephews, Adam Hall, Thomas Hall, Bill McCullough, Brett Paden, Mark Paden, Orville Wilson, and Mike Hebert serving as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
