Bonnie Lelia Michael

September 3, 1934 – July 31, 2025

Bonnie Lelia Michael passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 90. Born in Lexington, North Carolina, on September 3, 1934, Bonnie spent most of her life in Lexington and Winston-Salem before moving to Cary a decade ago to be closer to family.

Bonnie was a woman of remarkable spirit—fiercely independent, full of energy, and always unapologetically herself. She was a passionate advocate for justice and a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Her strength, creativity, and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Professionally, Bonnie worked as the assistant to the attorney for the Forsyth County School System. Earlier in her career, she wrote commercials for WSJS radio in Winston-Salem, combining her love of language with a knack for storytelling.

Writing remained one of Bonnie’s great passions throughout her life. She was a prolific poet and author of short stories, with work published in more than 20 books. Her poetry appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and in When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple. One of her short stories was even published in Good Housekeeping magazine—an accomplishment that brought her great pride.

Bonnie also had a lifelong love of dancing. From the jitterbug in her younger years to line dancing in her 80s, she brought joy and energy to every dance floor. She was still taking lessons just three months before her passing.

She is survived by her daughter Kim Basden and husband Matt, son Ron Pratt and wife Josephine; her beloved grandchildren Alana, Mauren, and Sienna; and her niece Dawn and nephew Michael. She was preceded in death by her sisters Jo and Linda, and her daughter Karen.

Bonnie was loved deeply and will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

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