By Staff
Bonita S. St. Clair transitioned from this life on July 14, 2009 at Beaufort County Medical Center. A native of Washington, N.C., she was born in Beaufort County on December 8, 1954 to Peter and Fannie Smallwood.
A funeral will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2009, in Cornerstone Family Worship Center with the Rev. Jerome Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.
Bonita was educated in Beaufort County Schools and graduated from Washington High School in 1973. Shortly after graduation, she accepted a position at Carolina Telephone Company as a telephone operator. Little did she know it would be her first and last full-time job. Bonita’s illustrious thirty-five year tenure at the telephone company took her from Carolina Telephone Company, to Sprint and finally Embarq. With the desire to further excel at her job, she attended Beaufort County Community College in 1982 receiving an Associate Degree in Accounting, Typing, and Office Machines. She loved her job and it showed in her work. Her hard work and dedication earned her attendance in many company sponsored schools and numerous promotions with her final position being Network Operation Center, Regional System Administrator I. Bonita was a well rounded professional with other accomplishments including: Certified and Licensed with the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, Lifetime Alumni member at Elizabeth City State University and a ECSU Foundation Board Member, a member of Christmas Care (helping needy families at Christmas) and Assistant Coordinator for Area Wellness and Fitness and served on the Adolescent Parenting Prevention Board to name a few.
Bonita joined Beebe Chapel CME Church at a young age and was baptized as a testament of her faith. She later joined Mt. Hebron Disciples of Christ Church of Christ and was a very active member until her health no longer allowed. Mrs. St. Clair served on numerous church committees; pastor’s aide, church beautification, church secretary and sung with the Mt. Hebron’s Spiritual Ensemble for many years.
Bonita is survived by her husband, Mitchell A. St. Clair; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smallwood; one son, Donald M. Boyd (Angie) and one grandson, Donald M. Boyd Jr.; four stepchildren: Tonya Jackson, Mitchell, Kim and Porsche St. Clair. Four sisters: Lossie Ore of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ann Smallwood of Washington, N.C., Loretta Smallwood of Woodbridge, N.J., and Tina White (Jeffrey) of Washington. One stepsister: Lela Lord of Queens, N.Y. Three brothers: Jessie Smallwood, Woodbridge, N.J., Terry Smallwood, Far Rockaway, N.Y., and Darrel Smallwood (Elviana) of Raleigh, N.C. One sister-in-law: Clara M. Langley (Willis) of Columbia, S.C.; one great-aunt, Margaret Smith of Williamston, N.C., and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bonita, Nita or Ski Bo as she was known, had a great love for people; she loved to travel and had a sincere love for children. Anyone who knew her knew she loved her husband, her parents and her siblings. She loved riding on the back of the Goldwing Motorcycle, going to the mountains and telling everyone to come over for the holidays, even though she didn’t do any cooking. Bonita was the family facilitator. We loved her so very much and she will be missed dearly.
The family is receiving friends at Cornerstone Family Worship Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009, and other times at the home, 120 Hodges Road, Washington, N.C.
Arrangements are by Randolph Funeral Home, 219 N. Bonner St., Washington.
Paid Obituary