Bonnye Brooks Shepherd

June 13, 1943 - March 10, 2010
Bonnye Brooks Shepherd

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Bonnye Brooks Shepherd, 66, of Hendersonville, NC, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Universal Health Care of Fletcher after an extended illness.

Born in Hendersonville, Bonnye was the daughter of the late Brooks E. SHpeherd and Jane E. Roper. She was also preceded in death by her son, Karl Rowell.

She graduated with the first graduating class of East Henderson High School in 1961 and from nursing school at Mission Memorial Hospital.

Her nursing career extended over thirty years (more than half in critical care) with Memorial Mission Hospital, Dorothea Dix Hospital in Wake County, Wake County Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, and Thoms Rehab and VA Hospitals, both in Asheville.

She was affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Bonnye enjoyed crafts as a hobby and as an amateur professional, including making silver jewelry, weaving and painting.

Bonnye is survived by her brothers, Brooks E. Shepherd of Charlotte and Jess B. Shepherd of Hendersonville; her chldren, Rayna Rowell of Cary; Tanya Rowell of Asheville; and Joseph Rowell of Arlington, TX; and five grandchildren.

The graveside service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the WNC Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, 31 College Place Ste D320, Asheville, NC 28801, or to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801.


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  • March 12, 2010
    Jerry McCall says:
    Brooks, I am very sorry about Your lost. But she's in a better place now with a big smile on her face, no more sickness. I will be praying for you and your family

  • March 12, 2010
    Rex and Rosa Lewis says:
    Jess, Megan and Family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless You.

  • March 12, 2010
    Betsy Jackson Copolillo says:
    Dear Family of Bonnye Shepherd, I graduated with Bonnye and we were best friends. I will remember her sunny disposition and permanent smile. We have many good memories of her. May God comfort you in your loss. Betsy

  • March 12, 2010
    Barbara Stepp Ward says:
    My prayers are with you in the loss of Bonnye. She was one of the sweetest and prettiest girls in our graduating class of 61.

  • March 12, 2010
    bill hawkns says:
    dear raina and tanya. i was so saddend to hear about your mom.had i known about her condition perhaps i could have done some things differnatly.please call me at 828 891 5005 or email me at the above address. love bill