Bonita “Bonnie” Strickland Nelson passed in peace on January 17th 2026 in Canton, Georgia. She was at home surrounded by her family.

Bonnie was born on March 30th 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the daughter of C. Lynn Strickland and Theodosia Hamilton McKellar. She grew up in the small neighborhood of Crestline and attended church at Mountain Brook Baptist where her parents were founding members. She moved to Georgia in her 20’s and became an X-Ray Technician. She went on to own a furniture stripping business and in her early 30’s she met her husband, Ben. For a large portion of their 45-year marriage, they owned and operated a successful construction company. Together they built hundreds of fine custom homes and some that earned OBIE awards; the top accolades for the building industry in Atlanta, Georgia. One home even garnered national attention when it was recognized in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Bonnie was a devoted wife, designer, motivator, artist, CNA, Meals on Wheels driver, developer, and the fiercest soccer Mom you have ever met.

Bonnie lived her life with vigor and passion rarely matched. Her steadfast faith in Jesus formed a foundation for her husband, sons and those around her. Ultimately, that foundation turned into a legacy many generations will grow from. She was such a giver, she even went through the painful process of donating her bone marrow to her brother David. Her willingness to serve shaped the community and inspired others to do the same. Her spirit of service continues to show up in her husband and children through their work, their parenting and how they live their lives.

She is survived by her husband Ben, and their two sons: Joel Nelson (Wyndi) and Lanier Nelson (Deneé), and four Grandchildren; Maddox, Micah, Coen, True; Brother, Edwin (Andy) Strickland (Cindy), Sister, K. Gail Strickland (Neil) and preceded in death by Brother, C. Lynn Strickland Jr. (Lynda) and Brother, David H. Strickland (Susan); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her celebration of life will be on March 28th at 2PM in the Mountain Brook Baptist Chapel, 3631 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham, AL 35213 followed by a reception at Hudson Hall.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers; donations may be made to the American Cancer Society/">American Cancer Society.

Care of Bonita has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.