Phyllis Westphal Bonner

Phyllis Westphal Bonner, age 81 of Alpharetta, Georgia, formerly of Baldwin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta surrounded by her family.

Born in Baldwin, Georgia on April 06, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Harry James & Amy Jackson Westphal. Mrs. Bonner was a graduate of Mercer University where she earned her degree in nursing. Phyllis was a vibrant and powerful leader in the medicine community in North Georgia. Although she became a widow at an early age, with two children ages 5 and 3 to raise, Phyllis worked her way up through the ranks of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta to eventually become the head nighttime administrator of the hospital, serving alongside strong caretakers in the community such as Sister Stella Maris, and the Sisters of Mercy. She was a professional in every aspect and a true leader for the people of Atlanta, with a profound career that would span over 40 years of service. Phyllis enjoyed genealogy and the research of her family history. She also loved singing, playing the piano, and trips through the Blue Ridge Parkway to watch the changing colors in the fall of each year.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Denney Bonner, Sr.; grandparents, John Sidney & Amy Cash Jackson; several aunts, and uncles.

Survivors include her daughter, Amy Bonner Bales, Alpharetta, GA; son & daughter-in-law, Frederick “Denney” Bonner, Jr. & Debbie Bonner, Statesboro, GA; grandchildren, Beau & Jennifer Smith Bales, Alpharetta, GA; Tripp Bonner, Olathe, Kansas; great-granddaughters, Evelyn Isabella Bales & Lillian Amy Bales; other extended relatives & many friends

Funeral services are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Rev. Luther Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Murray-Jackson Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.