11/04/2025
On Friday, October 31, 2025, this world lost one of its bright lights, Bonnie Jean Taylor. Bonnie fought and beat two types of cancer, bladder and lymphoma, but succumbed to lung cancer, after a courageous battle that lasted over two years. She leaves behind family and friends whose lives were each made better by her presence and leaves a legacy that highlights strength, courage and determination.
Bonnie was born on November 27, 1937, and raised in Mount Airy. She graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1956. She had her first date with Robert B. Taylor on Halloween 1952, and after that first date told her mother, Josie Pennix, that she had met the boy she would marry. And she did – she married her high school sweetheart, Bobby (this is what she called him), on March 30, 1957, and began the demanding and exciting life of a military spouse. She traveled the world with Bobby and supported him fiercely every step of his military career, extending her time and resources to hundreds of military wives and families over the years, while raising their two children, Gina and Lori, to include when Bobby was stationed overseas, sometimes while engaged in combat tours.
After Bobby retired from the Army, they returned to Mount Airy, primarily to spend time with and provide support to their mothers. When she returned to Mount Airy, Bonnie also became an active volunteer for the community, providing her time and services to various organizations: VFW, American Legion, and Life Line. She became an avid dancer, including square dancing, line dancing, and s**g. On occasion, she was known to also perform the famous Snow Dance – which did, in fact, bring the snow.
Bonnie’s life was lived fully and authentically. She had a passion for living, was fun loving (loved the occasional practical joke) and adventurous, and never backed down from any challenge or difficult situation that life presented. She appropriately earned the nickname of “Southern Fire,” given to her by her granddaughter, Larissa Zavarelli. Though Bonnie’s light and flame may have been extinguished in this world, both undoubtedly continue to burn bright where she is now.
Bonnie is survived by the love of her life, Robert B. Taylor; her daughters, Gina Pearson (spouse Dudley Pearson) and Glynis (Lori) Zavarelli (spouse Kevin Wentz); her grandchildren, Larissa Zavarelli and Alex Pearson; her great-grandchildren, AJ Pearson and Jenna Pearson; and her sister, Linda Ward (Pennix). She was predeceased by her parents, Wade J. and Josie Hill Pennix.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Kevin Minix and Dr. David Sparks officiating. Entombment will follow in the Skyline Memory Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.
