Doris W Bonilla

Doris W Bonilla, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday November 29. She was a child of Carlton and Marie Wehunt of Joanna, SC. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bob, her three children Robbie, Gina and Stephanie and several grand children and great grand children.

She made a mid-life career change to follow her life-long dream of being a nurse. She earned a BS in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia and both a MS in Nursing and a Master of Public Health from the University of South Carolina School of Nursing.

Doris joined the Indian Health Service as an RN and served Native Peoples in Bethel, Alaska and 56 remote villages reachable only by flying with Alaskan bush pilots. Her service continued in Ely, Nevada and the associated remote reservations until she came to Cherokee Hospital North Carolina where she was Director of Public Health. She cherished her many good friends among the staff and the populations in Bethel, Ely and Cherokee. A strong and dedicated woman, she retired at age 78.

Doris loved having her home in the mountains where she could look down into the valley and see the church with its steeple. She enjoyed the small town atmosphere of Bryson City and attended Victory Baptist Church where she made many Christian friends. She enjoyed her yard with all its flowers and canning fruits and vegetables from her garden. She will be missed.

Funeral services will be held in Augusta, GA on a date to be determined.