Bonnie Bell Davis

Dr. Bonnie Teresa Bell Davis, 78, of Folkston, Georgia, surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on October 17, 2023. Bonnie was born November 10, 1944 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was the only child of the late Roy Marshall Bell and Lura Belle Head Bell Konikoff. She attended Hattiecotton Elementary School in Nashville before moving to Warner Robins, Georgia with her parents when she was 11 years old. Bonnie graduated from Warner Robins High School in 1962 where she was head majorette in the Warner Robins High School Marching Band. She played the violin and bass violin. She represented her hometown as Miss Warner Robins 1963, Miss Flint EMC 1963, Miss Georgia REA 1964, and Miss National REA 1964. She attended Georgia Southern University and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education in 1966. She began her long career as an educator in Fort Pierce, Florida.

In 1967, Bonnie taught first grade and special education at Folkston Elementary School. For 32 years, Bonnie was a devoted first grade teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, and administrator for the Charlton County School System. During those years, she obtained a Master of Education in Special Education from Georgia Southern University and an Educational Doctorate degree in Leadership from Sarasota University.

Upon retirement from the school system, Bonnie accepted the opportunity to reach a different population of students. She became the first Programs Director at D. Ray James State Prison where she implemented all educational programs such as industrial arts, religion, recreation, library, reading and math. She worked tirelessly for the educational advancement for those needing remediation services. After 21 years of working for the prison system, she fully retired in 2019 to spend more time with her family.

Bonnie was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Folkston. She served in many capacities through the years, but her ministry for children was apparent as she served over 25 years as a Sunday School teacher for the third and fourth grade students. Bonnie was a born teacher and advocate for children of all ages and abilities. She joyfully gave her time and talents all of her life to the children of Charlton County.

Bonnie’s greatest accomplishment, however, was being a Christian. She loved the Lord and loved reading the Bible. Her love of Jesus anchored her through life’s trials and blessings. She taught her children to know and love the Lord, and always said if you know Jesus that’s all you need to know!

Throughout her life she was member of many clubs, boards, civic and educational organizations. In the early 1990’s she was sworn in by Governor Zell Miller as a member of the Professional Standards Commission for the Georgia Department of Education. She sat on the board of Coastal Pines Technical College for many years as well. Bonnie loved collecting antiques, hosting numerous bridal showers, and sharing her home with friends and family. She loved entertaining and made all who visited feel special and loved. She was an avid Charlton County High School Band of Pride supporter for many, many years. “BB”, as she was affectionally called, loved the Georgia Bulldogs, the Florida Gators, and the UGA Redcoat Band. She adored her children, grandchildren, and her precious Pardner. She often quoted the phrase, “There is no substitute for your good name, good health, and money in the bank!”

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Marion “Pardner” G. Davis, Jr., her children Teresa Grooms Bradley (Scott), Tamara Grooms Baker (Bobby), Andrew Grissom Davis (Valerie), and Julie Davis McCarty; grandchildren, Justin Kyle Bradley (Brittany), Davis Scott Bradley (Reagan), Brandyn Robert Baker, Olivia Belle Baker, Nathaniel Banks Baker, Ella Ridley McCarty, Knox Kenyon Bradley, and Everett Roan Bradley.

There will be a visitation for family and friends at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston on Friday, October 20, 2023. A graveside service will be at Pineview Cemetery in Folkston, Georgia at 10am on Saturday, October 21, 2023.