Bonita Anderson Combes

Bonita (Bonnie) Lynn Anderson Combes, a Fripp Island resident, was born in Griffin, GA on February 2, 1950. She passed from this life on February 26, 2017. She is survived by her adoring husband of 46 years, Richard; her loving daughter, Erin Combes Prowett and husband Sunny Prowett of Atlanta; her devoted family, which includes her 95-year old father, John William Anderson of Warner Robins GA; her older sister, Mary Mathis of Stone Mt. GA; her brother, John William Anderson, II of San Bernardino CA; her younger sister, Beth Keaney of Gray GA; three nephews, Michael & Paul Mathis of Panama City FL and St. Mountain GA, respectively, and Shane Keaney, attending Mercer University; and niece Layla Keaney of Macon GA. Growing up as child of a 30-year active duty US Air Force veteran, Bonnie lived in GA, ME, TX, UT, IL, ID, the Philippines, and Libya. In 1968, after graduating high school in Warner Robins, she entered Piedmont School of Nursing in Atlanta to become a Registered Nurse. While at school, she met Richard, who was a mechanical engineering student at nearby Georgia Tech, and they were married on December 20, 1970.  After graduating, Richard entered service in the U.S. Navy and they were stationed in Jacksonville FL, where Bonnie began her 34-year career as an RN. Bonnie and Richard returned to Atlanta in 1975, and she began 24 years as a pediatric nurse with Egleston Children's Hospital. In 1979, Bonnie and Richard achieved a dream when they adopted Erin as an infant. In 2002, they achieved another dream when they moved to their new home on Fripp Island, SC.  Bonnie made many close friends on Fripp and was active in bridge groups and book clubs.  She served as an officer in Fripp Island organizations, including Women's Club (VP & President), Yacht Club, Community Centre, and FIPOA Appeals Committee (Vice Chair).  She loved beach and nature walks and was member of the Fripp Island Loggerhead Program, which protects sea turtle nests.  She also worked elections as a Beaufort County Poll Manager. Bonnie loved people and touched many lives, developing numerous close friendships throughout her lifetime. She had a special love for children and animals, devoting most of her nursing career to kids, and adopting and doting on pet dogs, cats, birds, a rabbit, and a gerbil.  Memorial donations may be made to one of her favorite causes, Small Paws Rescue, a Bichon rescue organization in Tulsa - http://smallpawsrescue.org/ . A celebration of life will be held on Fripp Island at a later date.