Gwendolyn Popejoy Bonnell
Obituary
Gwendolyn Leonard Popejoy Bonnell was born on July 31, 1920 in Olustee, OK to George Clarence Leonard and Susie Blanche (Carter) Leonard. Gwen passed from this life on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the age of 97.
Gwen married Kenneth W. Popejoy in 1942 in Las Vegas, NV. Other than the short time during World War II when Ken was in the U.S. Navy, and Gwen lived in Los Angeles, CA, she spent her entire life in Tulsa, OK.
Gwen graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1937. She attended Tulsa Business College and was employed by the Tulsa World Newspaper Company where she worked for 8 years. She then joined Ken in his real estate firm, serving as a real estate closer.
Gwen was an active member of First United Methodist Church, having joined in 1931. She sang in the Cathedral Choir for more than 25 years and in the Chamber Choir for 5 years. She taught elementary Sunday school classes while her children were young; was a chairman of the United Methodist Women’s Priscilla Circle; and a charter member of the Joyner Sunday School class. As a volunteer, she worked for many years in the Broadhurst Library at FUMC. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
After the death of her first husband, Gwen married Robert A. Bonnell, Jr. Bob and Gwen traveled extensively and enjoyed life to the fullest until his death in 1994. Gwen was also preceded in death by her daughter, Judith Popejoy Redford, her stepson, Robert Dow Bonnell, her sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Malcom Andrew and a brother, Clarence Leonard.
Gwen is survived by her son, Bradley W. Popejoy, her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas L. Popejoy and Karen, and 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who called her GG and filled her with joy. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Minnie Jo Cales, and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 3:30 -5PM Sunday, June 3rd at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 4th at First United Methodist Church, Tulsa followed by a private family committal at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the FUMC Provident Fund or Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa.
Events
Tributes & Memories
When I joined FUMC Tulsa and joined the Cathedral Choir, Gwen was one of the first people I met. She was funny and so easy to be around and she had a beautiful, rich alto voice. During one choir rehearsal Gwen stood and told the choir how God had healed her eyes and how grateful she was for His care for her. I have always admired how gracefully Gwen moved from one stage of life to another and how she dealt with very difficult situations. She trusted God in everything. In recent years her Sunday School class, the Joynors, decided to become part of our younger class, the Builders. We were the age of her children. Her daughter, Judy, had been a Builder. Gwen brought her wit, her love of God and her church, her depth of human experience, her candor, her smile and beauty. She was always impeccably dressed and her gorgeous white hair completed her regal appearance. She was a grand lady and we will miss her.
Joyce Grimes
Gwen was a very special member of my family, but I didn't know her until after my mom [Beth Leonard] died. I met Gwen at Mom's funeral at Boston Avenue and asked her to explain our family's relationship which she did. [Like much in real life, it was "complicated."] She invited my brother and me to a very nice dinner that night, and we were both impressed by her vivacity and by her love of all things family. She loved being part of Crestwood at Methodist Manor, and she enjoyed above all being with her friends and family whether she was playing bridge or eating Thanksgiving Dinner at her son's house. After meeting my "new" relatives, I understood what an important bond she has had with her sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. She was a brave and exuberant woman throughout her life, and I am so glad to have known her.
Cindy Leonard