Mrs Bonnie Lee Springton Denegre's Obituary
Mrs. Bonnie Lee Springston DeNegre, 77, of Dadeville, Alabama, passed on June 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with leukemia (AML).
Bonnie was born in West Virginia, where she grew up on a farm and embraced life as a spirited tomboy. When her family moved to Florida, she met Harry, who would become the love of her life, in the 7th grade. They later attended Robinson High School, where they sang together in the choir and became high school sweethearts. They married in 1969 and built a beautiful life together, raising two children, pursuing fulfilling careers, and enjoying retirement side by side for nearly sixty years.
Bonnie was a devoted nurse whose compassion and leadership touched countless lives. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University, she built a remarkable career that included cardiac bedside nursing, serving as assistant director of a nursing home, and pediatric oncology. The highlight of her career was the more than 10 years she served as Director of the Intermediate Care/Telemetry Unit at Gwinnett Medical Center. There, she developed a team that became not only exceptionally simpatico healthcare professionals but also lifelong friends - her beloved “5th Floor Heifers”.
Bonnie made a lasting impact on thousands of lives. She was known for her kindness, loyalty, strength, and unwavering willingness to help others. Whether among lifelong friends, nursing school sisters, RHS pals, coworkers, neighbors or patients, she had a gift for making people feel cared for and valued. She was affectionately known as “The Boss” because she never hesitated to lead, mentor, or offer advice - whether it was requested or not. She generously shared her wisdom, life experiences and infectious sense of humor. Bonnie loved to laugh, cherished time with family and friends, and made sure those around her were having just as much fun as she was.
More than anything, Bonnie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a mother to two, but a “Mom” to many whose lives she touched with her love, guidance, and generosity.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Bonnie loved the Lord and was an active member of the Episcopal Church, most recently at St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City. She found great comfort and strength as a Daughter of the King.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Connie, and brother-in-law, John Strohaker.
Bonnie is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Harry DeNegre; her daughter, Shawn Renée Swift and husband, JB, of Mississippi; her son, Andrew (Tandy) DeNegre and wife, Heidi, of Alabama; her grandchildren, Corbin (Samantha) Javé, Paul Swift, Clarice Swift (Peyton) Wall, Darcy Swift (Quincy) Silva, Mason DeNegre and Maddie DeNegre; her great-grandchildren, Christian Silva and Imogen Javé; brother-in-law Tom (Vicky) DeNegre, Gabrielle Strohaker (Harry) Smith, Wayne Strohaker, Guy Strohaker, Laurie Strohaker, Tommy DeNegre Jr., Terisa DeNegre, Rose Hamilton and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends who remained by her side throughout her life.
Bonnie’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals who cared for her throughout her illness. Your compassion, dedication and kindness will never be forgotten and you will remain in our prayers.
The family cannot properly express their thankfulness for Father Rob Iler, Deacon Judy Quick, and the St. James Episcopal Church congregation, for all of their prayers and support of the family during Bonnie’s illness.
The family would also like to show appreciation to the Stillwaters Yacht Club for their friendship, support, thoughts and prayers.
Memorial services are being planned for a September or October. A service and reception are expected to be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Alexander City, Alabama with an additional celebration of Bonnie’s life in Tampa, Florida. Service details will be shared on Facebook and CaringBridge as they become available.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), whose resources and support were invaluable throughout Bonnie’s leukemia journey.
Memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Bonnie Lee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bonnie Lee?
Share a story where Bonnie Lee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bonnie Lee you’ll never forget.
How did Bonnie Lee make you smile?