Patricia W. Bonaker

Patricia W. Bonaker, 87, of Phenix City, AL passed away peacefully late Saturday night, January 11, 2025, in the comfort of her home while surrounded by her loving family.

Celebration of Life funeral services for Mrs. Bonaker will be held at 3:00 pm EST on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ga with Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards officiating. A private interment will be held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EST at Vance Brooks Funeral Home 4048 Macon Road Columbus, GA 31907.

Mrs. Bonaker was born July 14, 1937, in Pittsburgh,PA, daughter of the late D. Paul Wilkinson and Pauline Fossler Wilkinson. Mrs. Bonaker’s passion was fulfilled as a music teacher in public schools, impacting numerous students throughout her career. She retired from the Muscogee County School District in 1999 after 36 years of teaching. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association in Muscogee County. She enjoyed traveling, cheering on the Atlanta Braves, and loved her pet greyhound dogs and her quiet and peaceful moments at the end of her day. She was a lady of great character who had a divine love for God, her family and a constant twinkle of sincere love and passion for her husband. She served for 42 years as Music Director of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Columbus, where she and her husband were members since 1966.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Peterson, and a brother, David Wilkinson.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of more than 60 years, David Frank Bonaker of Phenix City, AL; one daughter, Paula Bonaker of Tucker, GA; three sons, Michael Bonaker of Gurley, AL, David Bonaker of Tucker, GA, and Matthew Bonaker of Phenix City, AL; five grandchildren, Zachary Bonaker (Ashley), Lauren Jenkins (Ed), Miles Bonaker, Nicholas Bonaker, and William Bonaker; several nieces, nephews, other loving family members, church family and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Columbus Hospice, or St. Matthew Lutheran Church in loving memory or Mrs. Patricia Bonaker.