Bonnie Ruth Atchison

With your eyes closed, you could easily identify Bonnie Atchison when she spoke in her native tongue, “Hey, my sweet precious angel! I luh-uh-uv you.” With a heart full of kindness and a life dedicated to service, Bonnie quietly left this world on Saturday, September 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and generosity. Her two sons, whom she treasured above all else, were with her by her bedside. In her mind, outlook, and attitude, she was 93 years young. Born on one of the busiest shopping days of the Christmas season, Bonnie Ruth Loftis arrived December 22, 1931. She first graced the world in Birmingham, Alabama at South Highland Hospital - a welcomed gift and “favorite” child of her waiting parents, Annie Ruth Hills Loftis and Horace Haggard Loftis. We can NOW say “favorite” because her two brothers and her sister are no longer with us to dispute that fact. Phoebe Donald Robinson wrote about “Ms. A,” as many students referred to her, in the May 8, 2012 newsletter of The Shelby County Reporter, "Bonnie Atchison has experienced many chapters in her life; daughter, wife, mother, young widow, teacher, second bride, grandmother, Baptist volunteer, Novella Club member, Chamber executive director, great-grandmother, and museum curator." Indeed, Bonnie was not one to sit idly by and, eventually, wound up retiring three times. Ms. A served as a teacher for some 25 years and an educator for life. She spent her final 20 years of teaching at Shelby County High School where she was an English teacher, cheerleading sponsor, and creator of a Department of Dramatic Arts. After retiring from SCHS, she served for 10 years as the first executive director of the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. When Bonnie left the Chamber of Commerce in 2003, she immediately began serving as curator of the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington in Columbiana. This “Wonder Woman” was fully engaged in every position of service. In her remaining “free” time during retirement, she developed even more artistic talent and focused her eyes on the paint brush. Hundreds of paintings were sold or gifted to friends and family. Not to brag, but… Full transparency: We're about to conspicuously boast. April 3, 2013 was declared Bonnie Atchison Day in Columbiana. Mayor Stancil Handley presented her with the Key to the City award for her outstanding service to the community. Five years later, Bonnie was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, class of 2018. In 2019, Positive Maturity recognized this spry 87-year-old in the Top 50 over 50 which celebrated those who “find opportunities to make a difference and become a catalyst in the world.” Bonnie’s remarkable spirit is carried on by her two sons, Michael E. Mason (Judy), Timothy L. Mason, her stepson, Randy Atchison (Christine), 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. And last, but not least, there is Ms. A’s extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. Ms. Bonnie is predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Horace Loftis, sister, Betty Ann Loftis Harper, her brothers, William Horace Loftis and James Barry Loftis, 2nd husband and love of her life, Harry Atchison, and 1st husband and 1st love, Lewis Edward Mason, father of her sons, Mike and Tim. When we get to heaven, we can’t wait to see Momma/Bonnie/Meemaw, rushing to meet us. She will greet us with a joyous, “My babies are here! My babies are here!” The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Novella Club’s Bonnie Atchison Scholarship Fund (Make checks payable to “The Novella Club Bonnie Atchison Scholarship and mail/drop off at Renasant Bank of Columbiana), the First Baptist Church of Columbiana, Alabama, the Shelby Council Arts Council, or a charitable donation of your choosing. Floral tributes may be sent to First Baptist Church, 208 N Main St, Columbiana, AL 35051. Friends (and strangers she would love to have met) can visit with the family on Sunday afternoon, October 5, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana from 1:30 until the time of the Service at 3:00 PM. A graveside service will be held on Monday morning beginning at 10:00, October 6, 2025, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, Alabama.

Bonnie Ruth Atchison

December 22, 1931 - September 27, 2025