Bonnie Jane Simmons , the family's steadfast and loving matriarch, peacefully departed this life on the evening of June 30, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on August 4, 1936, in Perry, Florida, Bonnie was the only child of the late Barry B. "Sport" Hampton and Tinese "Tiny" Hampton. She remained a lifelong resident of this cherished small town, spending her years in her beloved Main Street home.

Bonnie was an ambitious young woman who challenged societal norms by graduating from Jerkins High School—the first in her family to do so. She continued breaking barriers by pursuing higher education at Bethune-Cookman College, now Bethune-Cookman University, setting a standard of excellence that would inspire her own children. As a student, she walked the hallowed halls during the institution's heyday under its founder, the late Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. On the day she received her bachelor's degree, she was challenged to strive for even greater heights by her commencement speaker, civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bonnie embraced that charge by later earning her master's degree from Florida State University, becoming a proud Seminole and paving the way for her daughter, Tonja, and later her granddaughter to follow in her footsteps.

Determined to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for equal rights, Bonnie exercised her right to vote faithfully throughout her life. In her later years, she further demonstrated her commitment to civic engagement by volunteering with the Taylor County Supervisor of Elections.

After graduating from college, Bonnie embarked on a 32-year career as an educator with the Taylor County School District. She devoted herself to hundreds of students, leaving a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom. Former students often returned to thank her for helping guide them onto the right path, expressing appreciation for the loving discipline and encouragement she so freely gave.

Because her parents instilled in her a love for the Lord from an early age, it was no surprise that Bonnie became a faithful, lifelong member of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She generously gave of her time, talents, and resources to the work of the Kingdom, and after retirement, her spirit of service only grew stronger. When she sought strength and encouragement, she often turned to her favorite Scripture, Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Although illness eventually limited her ability to serve within the walls of the church, it never diminished her faith.

Above all, Bonnie treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose family remained her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Ben Sparks III, Bryan Neal Simmons (Andrea), and Tonja Sparks; grandchildren, Tia Sparks Quails (Richard), Christopher Benjamin Sparks (Trenesha), Antonio Rashan Sparks (Ashley), Eric D'Amato Sparks (Taylor), Jasmine Tinese Pearce (S. Maxwell), and Dr. Ciara Monet Styles; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family members, church family, former students, friends, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit.

Bonnie's legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, her church, and the community she so faithfully served. Though we all must return to the dust, her life was a testimony of steadfast faith, selfless service, and unwavering love for God and His people. The seeds she planted through her Christian witness will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Though her earthly journey has ended, her works do follow her, and we rejoice in the blessed assurance that she now rests in the eternal presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.