Bonnie Chirdon

Bonnie Jean Chirdon, a creative, funny, and loving soul, born on January 21, 1951, in Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away on November 11, 2024, in her residence in New Bern, North Carolina. Her life, filled with laughter, adventure, and an abundance of love, was a testament to the quote, "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." Bonnie took this to heart, shaping a life filled with creativity, humor, and boundless love for her family.

Bonnie was a woman of many talents, from making crafts, painting, arranging flowers, and creating wreaths, to using her unique gift of connecting with people in her profession. She worked at the CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern for 27 years before retiring in 2017. Bonnie's passion for creativity extended into her love for travel. She traveled around the world, visiting Hawaii seven times, each journey fueling her creative spirit and zest for life. Bonnie lived out her faith with a love for others that knew no bounds and she joyfully attended Union Point Church. Love for her family was her guiding light, always ensuring they were safe, cared for, and surrounded by love. Her infectious laughter, her knack for playing pranks on her family, and her unwavering love for them are memories that will be cherished forever.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 40 years, Scott Chirdon; her daughters Michelle Foster and Chesley Parks (Joseph); her grandson Gavin Parks; sisters Margaret Baker (Ray), Brenda Allen (Jerry), Sonja Morrison (Greg), Lynette Thompson (Dale); her brother Linwood Byrd (Betsy); and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Will H. and Virginia Byrd, and her sister Ann Lee.

As the author Leo Buscaglia once said, "What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life." Bonnie chose a life of love, laughter, and creativity, leaving an indelible mark of joy on all who knew her.

Bonnie’s family will celebrate her life with a memorial service at noon on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Union Point Church in New Bern.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Craven County Hospice or to Union Point Church.

We invite you to share your favorite memories and photos of Bonnie on her memorial page. Your shared memories will serve as a comfort and testament to the vibrant life Bonnie lived. We celebrate the life of Bonnie Chirdon, a woman who truly knew how to make life a beautiful and loving adventure.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Bonnie Chirdon.