Bonnibel Bland Cromwell

Bonnibel Bland Cromwell of Waco passed away peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, January 12, 2017. Services will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 16, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tim Jarrell officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Bonnie was born August 18, 1929, in Taylor, Texas, to Howard and Lillian Anderson Bland. She was a cheerleader at Taylor High, attended Mary Baldwin College in Virginia, and graduated from University of Texas, where she was an active member of Chi Omega. She married her husband, Rhea, on December 12, 1953, in Taylor. The Waco tornado of 1953 brought them to Waco, where Rhea was involved in reconstruction. Bonnie was a dedicated member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church since 1954 and was a fixture in numerous community organizations including Junior Shakespeare Club, Mary Milam Garden Club, and PTA. Her main passion and greatest joy were raising her two sons. Bonnie and Rhea’s door was always open, they loved to visit with friends and family, theirs and their boys. Their home was filled with music, laughter, and fun. Bonnie enjoyed tennis and was always one for adventure, whether it was across the world or a ride through the family ranch in South Texas. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; and her devoted husband of 56 years, Rhea. She is survived by sons, Bland Cromwell and wife, Jennifer, and Frank Cromwell and wife, Debbie; grandchildren, Leighton Cromwell King and husband, Eddie, Rhett Cromwell, Adrian Anzaldua and wife, Mirra, Jennifer Henegan, and Alyson Ellis and husband, Dwayne; and great grandchildren, Laney, Tritt, Jace, and Rheagan. Pallbearers are Gary Hering, Robert Isbell, Neil Mitchell, Mike Polk, Brad Davis, Chris Brammer, James Killough, and Bill Goss. Honorary pallbearers are John Hatchell, Barker Chapman, Dave Campbell, Roland Wollitz, and Bernd Hirsch. The family would like to offer special thanks to MaryLou and Mike Polk and Linda and John Hatchell for their love and special friendship. Memorials may be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.