Bonita June Lollar Howard, or as she is warmly called, Aunt Junie, was born in Oakman, Alabama on May 1, 1949. Bonita, a spirited soul who never let the grass grow under her feet, spent 74 joy-filled years on this planet before she closed her eyes for the final time on March 7, 2024. Known for her smart wit and generous heart, Bonita brought a unique blend of laughter and intellect to every conversation she had. As an avid fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football, she knew how to turn any gathering into a tailgate party. Her funny quips about the game were as legendary as her love for the team.
Bonita was a proud and devoted lifetime member of the Buchanan Moose, a testament to her love for community, camaraderie, and card games. Her professional life was as colorful as her personality; she had a successful career as a bookie in the gaming industry. Even post-retirement, Bonita found immense joy in her hobbies. She enjoyed birdwatching at her home in the country. She was also an ardent Nascar fan, drawing joy from watching her brother and nephews racing stock cars. Bonita, or Aunt Junie, was always the life of a family gathering, generously sharing stories of the past and present, keeping the family united. Her absence will be deeply felt by all.
Bonita is survived by her life partner George McGraw, her brother Kenny Sr. and his wife Rosemary, her nephew Kenny Jr. and his wife Jodie, her nieces Tina Lollar Maggert and Tracy Lollar and her partner Ron, her great nephews Levi Lollar and his wife Debra, Garret Lollar, Cody Lollar, her great-niece Kindall Maggert, and her long-time friend Sharon Bennett. Bonita was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Lollar and Ola Estelle Lollar. As we bid farewell to Bonita, we will celebrate her life on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm EST at the American Legion, located at 403 East Front Street, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107.
In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Bonita ‘Aunt Junie’ Howard happened to us, and for that, we are forever grateful. Her spirited personality, her generous nature, her smart mind, and her funny anecdotes will continue to live in our hearts. We encourage you all to leave cherished memories and upload photos to Bonita’s memorial page, so we can all remember her as the radiant, loving woman she was.
Posted On: Friday, March 8, 2024 3:29 PM
