757.628.1000

Gayle Lavern Bonner


Sunrise: August 9, 1957

Sunset: October 23, 2023

Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Grandmother, Aunt and true friend, Gayle Lavern (Norfleet) Bonner was the epitome of grace and service.

Gayle Bonner (66), of Norfolk, VA passed away on October 23, 2023.  She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Kenneth “Kenny” Bonner; Son, Theodore “Troy” Reynolds, Daughter, Christine Woods (Darien); Stepsons, Lamar Collins (Rose) and Kenneth Caine; Grandchildren, Marissa, Darien “D-2”, Alexis, Alyssa, Aliyah, Lamar Jr. “T.J.”, and Tashiera; Sisters, Bobbie Ann Watson, Lendora Norfleet, Shelia Chesson (Jerry), Mildred Griffin (James), Mimi Wideman, and Dawn Benjamin (Vinci).  

Gayle was preceded in death by her Mother, Margaret Stokes Norfleet; Father, John Norfleet, Sister Katie Burston (Mark); and Brothers Billy and John Norfleet (Corlisse).  

She retired from the City of Virginia Beach after serving countless years. Prior to her years with Virginia Beach, she worked numerous years at Lake Taylor Hospital and the City of Norfolk.  

To know Gayle was to know true unconditional love. Gayle was a very giving and loving woman. Her loving support and giving spirit radiated throughout so many communities. If she knew you were hungry, she would feed you. If you needed some type of support, she was there for you.  She would frequently go to various stores and food banks to get groceries and supplies for others, all while being sure to play her lottery numbers. Most importantly, she always ensured that her D-2 was taken care of, and he along with her other grandchildren knew they were loved by their Grandma. She would not only feed your stomach, but your soul as well. Many have attested that her iconic Sweet Potato Pies were way better than any you could buy in stores, to include Patti’s pies. Her sweet potato pies will always reside with those fortunate enough to experience the unique flavor and love she infused within them.   

In her spare time, she loved traveling, hosting and attending parties, and talking on the phone with friends and family. People knew Gayle as the life of the party, always dancing and having a good time! She lived her life out loud and inspired everyone she came in contact with to be true to themselves. Moreover, she loved the Lord and taught us to have a personal relationship with God. Gayle will always be loved and missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was and will forever be our angel.

Viewing Friday, November 3, 2023 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 West Berkley Avenue Norfolk, Virginia

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Condolences(17)

  1. reply
    Jo Logan says

    🕯️💔💔😭😭😭😭😭

    Rest in heaven my beloved Sister. Chrissy and Kenny we love you today, tomorrow always and forever.

    Always and forever,

    Jo

  2. reply
    Lillian " Charlene" Brown says

    Are hearts are heavy since you left us, but we know the pain and suffering is over. Rest in heaven my sweet sister. When you send my mother in heaven, give her a kiss for me. To the Bonner family, we the Brown girls send you our deepest and condolence. Louise, Eric, Linda, Jo and Charlene.

    Lillian ” Charlene” Brown

  3. reply
    Catrice / Calvin Bethea says

    Rest in peace Auntie
    I know you are not in any more pain , you are with the Lord and even though it hurts the family we know you rather be in heaven then here on earth,, I am going to miss showing you the latest line dances 🥰 but until we meet again rip love you

    • reply
      Shauna Buckley says

      Rest peacefully in heaven auntie. Your love and compassion for family cannot be measured. I thank God for the years he allowed you to be shared with us. Now, peace be with you auntie, rest joyfully in heaven. I love you so so much. You are missed.

  4. reply
    Sherry Hardison says

    Auntie I will truly miss you, but I will take comfort knowing you are no longer suffering. Uncle Kenny I love you and will be praying for you in the days and weeks to come.

    • reply
      Kenyatia Mclish says

      Rest in peace sweet Aunt Gayle. You have done your work on earth, rest in heaven. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family.

  5. reply
    Jill Jones says

    God picked a special flower for his garden. Rest in Peace. To the family my thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone .

  6. reply
    Michelle Davis, your bonus niece says

    My dearest Aunt “Lotto” Gayle, words can’t express how hard this is for me to swallow. I am so glad you were apart of our lives and we saw the joy and authenticity in you on a consistent basis. You will forever be a gem to me. I will continue to pray for the Bonner family. Fly high Queen!!!

  7. reply
    Sherita Outlaw says

    I love you Auntie Gayle you will surly be missed. Rest In the arms of the Lord. No more pain. Love you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 to family and friends continue to pray and find strength in the Lord.

  8. reply
    Kevin Gabe Sorrell says

    My condolences go out to the family.Gayle and I grew up together in Tidewater Park and attended High School together.She had a given heart and wonderful personality.She will truly be missed.Rest in peace my friend.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

  9. reply
    Kevin Sorrell says

    My condolences go out to the family.Gayle and I grew up together in Tidewater Park and attended High School together.She had a given heart and wonderful personality.She will truly be missed.Rest in peace my friend.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

  10. reply
    Linda Calabrese says

    To the entire family. Of Gayle. She was a true Gem. I will miss her beyond words. To absent from the body is to present with the Lord. You have completed your assignment on earth. Now take your crown and wear it well❤️❤️

  11. reply
    SophiaColeman says

    My condolences The Coleman Family.Gayle was a wonderful person.She love her family RIH

  12. reply
    Claudine Benjamin Hills says

    The life that Gayle lived was remarkable. I will never forget all the family gatherings that she allowed our family to be a part of. Love to Dawn and the entire family, 💖 and Praying 🙏 that God will comfort you all at this difficult time.

  13. reply
    Beverly says

    Gayle I love you and I will miss your fun loving spirit. I am so sorry that I did not get a hug before you transitioned. Please continue to watch over us down here and give my mom a big hug when you see her. God calls home his best.

  14. reply
    Gwenette Powell Mayo says

    My condolences to the family. Ms. Gayle was a very sweet person. From the Powell family.

  15. reply
    Pat White-Webb-Weaver says

    Family my heart go out to you. Gayle was a beautiful soul. She always made you laugh. May God be with you doing this time of sorrow. Please keep Gayle’s memories close to your hearts always, as I will. God will take care of you.

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