Bonita Loyce Powell Martin

Bonita Loyce Powell Martin, 72, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on December 15, 2022. She was the devoted wife of James Thomas (Tommy) Martin, beloved mother of two sons, Russell and Brooks (Maggie), cherished grandmother to their sons, Finley, Dashel, and Kellan, step-mother to Glenn Martin (Daphne), and step-grandmother to their sons, Wilson (Alex) and Logan (Miranda). Bonita is also survived by her twin sister Bobbie Powell Murphy, much loved nieces Shannon Murphy Casias (Jeremy) and Colleen Murphy Parente, and numerous cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Born several minutes after her twin sister, Bobbie, on May 30, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bonita was the daughter of the late John and Lavell (Squires) Powell.

Bonita graduated from Bartlett High School and went on to attend Memphis State University, where she met her future husband, Tommy, who was attending MSU for his law degree. With her sister Bobbie, Bonita traveled the world as an American Airlines flight attendant. She later returned to college, allowing her family the privilege of cheering for her as she crossed the stage to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Belmont University in 2009.

For the past several years, Bonita enjoyed working at the Hardeman & Montgomery law firm. She also donated her time, energy, and creative talents in countless ways to the YMCA, Harding Academy, and Montgomery Bell Academy. From her magnificent holiday mailbox decorations to the Lilliputian hats she knitted for premature babies born at local hospitals, Bonita was a master of any craft. She was an excellent chef, and no deviled egg will ever taste as good as the ones snuck off the platter before dinner. Bonita loved to travel, she loved her pillows, and she loved Christmas. She never met an animal she didn’t love, and that didn’t love her. The neighborhood squirrels and chipmunks join us in mourning her loss. She adored her sister Bobbie, who she could not go an hour without calling or texting.

Bonita was a joyful and peaceful presence, always ready with a warm smile and a gentle laugh. She loved her friends and family, and her home was always filled with warmth and kindness.

We will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 18th,  from 12-2 PM at Harpeth Hills Pavilion, 9090 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN 37221.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choosing.