of Conway, AR
November 17, 1933 - November 6, 2009
Bonnie Stone McNew passed away at her home in Conway, AR, on November 6. Born November 17, 1933, in Nashville, Arkansas, to the late James Orville and Pauline Reese Stone, she is survived by her husband, Dr. Ben B. McNew; one daughter, Bonnie McNew Brenkert of Monument, Colorado, and one son, William Michael McNew of Little Rock.
Other survivors include four grandchildren; Beth Brenkert, Rand Brenkert, Jon David Campbell, and Mallory Campbell; three siblings, Betty Callicott, Erma Holt, and James O. Stone, Jr.; two sons-in-law, Eric R. Brenkert and Douglas A. Campbell; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen McNew Campbell, and by her brother, Charles E. Stone.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with Bro. Jim Bob Baker.and Bro. James W. Goodwin officiating. Interment will follow at McNew Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
She was a graduate of Nashville High School, attended Harding University, Little Rock University, and The University of Texas at Austin. She received both bachelor's and master's degrees in English from the University of Mississippi. She was a beloved teacher to many students in many places. Her teaching career included appointments in Oxford, Mississippi, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and English tutorial work in Conway. Her business career included work for First National Bank of Nashville, Arkansas, Continental National Bank of Fort Worth, Texas, and Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in both Little Rock, Arkansas, and Austin, Texas.
She was a member of the Church of Christ and did volunteer work for the University Church of Christ in Conway until health problems forced her to step down. Before her move to Conway, she attended churches of Christ in Nashville, Searcy, Fort Worth, Little Rock, Austin, Oxford, and Murfreesboro. She enjoyed children, and her happy disposition strengthened her as a Sunday School teacher, high-school cheerleader, Regina Social Club member, Harding Chorus member, and teacher of English as a Second Language.
She was an excellent seamstress. Her needlework ranged from regular clothes for her family to evening gowns for her daughters, draperies and upholstered sofas for her home, and clothes for such items as Barbie dolls and small-scale figures. These cloth articles, done with great attention to detail, still bring joy and wonder to her children and grandchildren. Her legacy of love and faith in Christ will live on in the hearts of her family.
For memorials, a charity of choice, University Church of Christ (3155 Dave Ward Drive, Conway, AR 72034), Arkansas Hospice, or McNew Cemetery (86 McNew Cemetery Road, Greenbrier, AR 72058) are suggested.
Pallbearers will be Raymond Bush, Larry Halsey, Doyle Jolly, Fred McNew, Shelby Sawrie, Royce Shumate, and Denny Smith.
It has been a long passing. She had the best family here on earth and deserved to go home. I pray for you all in your time of missing her dearly. She was a wonderful mother, wife and teacher. She set an example for us all to follow. I am proud to have known such a fine lady. In god we trust, much love, Julie
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife and mother. Mrs. McNew was a teacher of mine at College Hill Academy. She was a very sweet lady with a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bonnie was a classmate of mine at Nashville High School. I always looked forward to seeing her at our class reunions. The last time I saw her was at one of these. She was a lovely person.
Sincerely,
Myra Young
Bonnie Lou - as I knew her growing up in Nashville - was always so sweet to me even though I was a 'little sister' of one of her friends. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you, especially to Betty Ann.
God be with you,
Anne Galen
Benny, we send our love and prayers. You and your family have been so special to us. Cousins don't often see each other, but memories are always there.
So sorry to hear about Bonnie.It has been many years scince I last seen her.My paryers go out to you. Mark
It is 11:40 AM Monday and I just got an e-mail from Ralph Balch relating to me of Bonnie Lou's death. Benny, I'm so sorry. She was a dear person and I am sorry I didn't hear earlier or I would have been in Conway today. I have so many fond memories or her from high school . Benny, God bless you and your family this day. Your Friend, -- Jim Shuffield
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and best wishes. Sorry Ben-take care. Ed and Liz Ponder
Ben and family,
My thougts and prayers are with you all.
Sorry to hear of her Passing.We remember Bonnie in school.
Travis Watson
My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Bonnie was such a joy to grow up with and always such fun to be with. Gods blessings to your family.
Winnie Campbell Roberts
I will always remember how wonderful Mrs. McNew was to me when I was Bonnie's roommate at Ole Miss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May God Bless you and keep you close during your time of loss. Time will heal you, but know she is always with you, all of you - in your thoughts, memories and random moments. Love, Julie
Ben and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Ben, daughter Bonnie, son William Michael, and all the family,
We are so very saddened by the loss of your wife and mother. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family as you adjust to being without your dear Bonnie. Just be reminded that she is in a better place. May God be with you all during this sad time.