Bonnie Sue Burnette Sipe, 79 of Lincolnton, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 28, 2020. She was born in Gorgas, Alabama on October 22, 1940 to the late O.C and Era Lee Burnette and was one of six children. For many years she was a legal secretary for several law firms as well as for the legal department at the former First Union Bank in Charlotte.
After retiring and relocating to Lincolnton, her main focus was on spending time with grand and great grandchildren, reading every book at the Lincolnton library at least twice, showing off her love of funky and eccentric hats at the many Senior Center Christmas craft sales where she was a vendor and never passing an antique shop wherever she happened to be without stopping. Her love for watermelon and cantaloupe was legendary, she believed nothing was wrong with ice cream for dinner and every grandchild who entered her house knew where the stash of candy was kept.
She leaves behind a family who will never eat cornbread and milk when they are sick but who will maintain the tradition of good southern cooking beginning with her daughter and son in law, Dena and James Sigman, Denver, her daughter and son in law, Kathy and Robert Kuczenski, Lincolnton, granddaughter and husband Jennifer and Derrick Baker, Granite Falls, granddaughter and husband Laura and Matthew Bloyer, Stanley, grandson Dakota Kuczenski, San Antonio TX., granddaughter Sydney Kuczenski, Lincolnton and three great grandchildren, Lawson Baker, who shared her love of all things Star Wars, Caroline Williams and Cora Baker, both of whom shared her love of all things glittery and sparkly. She leaves behind two sisters, Ann Porter, Jemison AL and Jimmie Ranke, Hickory. She leaves behind a diva dog, Junebug, who will never find anyone else to spoil her as much.
The family would like to extend our deep gratitude to Nick Baxter and Beth King, friends who became family to her, her pastor, Sarah Underwood, who was considered a third daughter and the members of Pisgah United Methodist Church whom she loved unconditionally.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Pisgah UMC, 3191 Brady Hoffman Road, Lincolnton NC 28092
Reggie and I are praying for your family. What a beautiful lady!
Bonnie was such a sweet and caring lady. I was honored to know her. She was an amazing grandmother to my friend, Laura, and great grandmother to Laura’s daughter Caroline. I am sending lots of prayers for strength through these times of grief to the entire family.
Dear, dear Bonnie I miss you already. Bonnie was such a great friend to me. We had many good times together and we were never at a loss for something to talk about. She loved her grandchildren. So proud of them. She was a talented and smart lady. Praying for the family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Bonnie. Love you.
Beth King
Bonnie was a great woman with a wonderful personality. I have fond memories of spending time with her and her granddaughter Laura. One particular memory was staying over at her house the night before we went to carowinds in 9th grade. She will be deeply missed. Sending lots of love and prayers to her family.
Most people knew her as Bonnie, but we called her Gigi. She was a great women and a even better grandma, she was kind hearted and had a beautiful soul. I will miss her so much and will do my best to be more like her in my day to day life. She will live on through her family and great grand babies that she love so much. Love you GIGI !!!!
I did not know her very well but what I could tell was what a SPECIALperson she was! Genuinely kind and caring. She just came across that way…you could sense that immediately. I know she will be missed by many. Prayers to all who loved her❤
I got to know Bonnie first as a wonderful friend and neighbor to my grandmother, Jean King. I can see Junebug now, either being held in her arms or very close by. I was always relieved when the doorbell would ring because I knew her visits would be welcomed and were a much-needed distraction at times. There was always a funny story and always encouraging word during a very stressful time for our family. These events created a friendship between Bonnie and my mom, Beth King. Mom kept me updated on their latest escapades and she will miss her terribly. Lastly, her Honey-Pear Jelly was mouth-watering! Thank you, Bonnie, for being a dear family friend. My deepest condolences to the family.
If We Could Bring You Back Again
If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We’d express all our unspoken love;
We’d have countless things to say.
If we could bring you back again,
We’d say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.
If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You’d know how much we miss you now,
And if we could, we would.
By Joanna Fuchs
When Bonnie was 13 yrs old, I was born to her sister Jimmie Kate and Yankee brother in law Jack Ranke. As her niece I have never felt anything but her total unconditional love and acceptance my entire life. I treasure every memory, all the heart to heart conversations, all the laughs, the fun times crafting, and our shared faith. A natural born story teller, she was my connection to our southern heritage. I miss her daily, but I have no doubt she will one day welcome me at heaven’s gate with those sparkling blue eyes, beautiful smile (and playful sense of humor!) and a big ‘ol Bonnie bear hug! I look forward to that day! Heartfelt prayers for her girls and extended family and friends as we grieve a tremendous loss.