Mrs. Bonnie LePelley

Bonnie Leota LePelley, 91, of Price, Texas, entered heaven’s gates peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on August 26, 2026. “Gran,” as she was affectionately known, was just a few short hours from her 92nd birthday. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many; she is already deeply missed. A celebration of the life of Mrs. LePelley will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Carlisle Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time on Monday at the church. A private family burial will be held under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. Bonnie was born in Henderson, Texas, on August 27, 1934, to E.D. “Doc” and Winnie Laffoon. She grew up in the Carlisle community, where she attended Carlisle school. It was there she met the love of her life, Jack. Bonnie was the drum major of the Carlisle Indian band and graduated in 1952. On February 5, 1953, Bonnie and Jack married in a whirlwind ceremony just before he left to serve his country in the Korean War. He came home from war, and their two children, Sheree and Jack Jr. were born in the following years. Theirs was a love story of the ages! Bonnie lost Jack suddenly in 1993, but she often said that he gave her enough love to last her a lifetime. She talked about him and longed for him until her last words were spoken. No doubt theirs was quite the heavenly reunion! Bonnie taught at Carlisle ISD for 36 years, in elementary reading and in the computer lab. “Mrs. LePelley” was beloved by students and staff alike. She loved helping the children of her community. Bonnie was a longtime member of Carlisle Baptist Church, where she served as church secretary, helped with Operation Christmas Child and VBS, and has many dear friends. She was the fiercest prayer warrior, a task she took very seriously and devoted much time to. Her life was a living testimony to her faith and love for the Lord. Of all the people and things she cherished, the dearest thing to her heart was her family. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved. She retired from school to help care for her first great-grandchild Brooklyn, and she could often be found cheering for her other great-grandchildren at their sporting events. She loved cooking Sunday lunches for the entire family, and she found great joy in annual beach trips with the girls in the family. The many wonderful memories with Gran will carry us through as we celebrate her 91 years. Bonnie’s life had a profound impact on many. She had the sweetest spirit and the kindest way of moving through this life, a testament to her faith in God. Bonnie’s memory and legacy live on in her daughter Sheree LePelley Martin and husband Larry of Price, TX, her son Jack Edward LePelley Jr. and wife Julie of Price, TX, her granddaughter Heather Vetter and husband Aarron of San Antonio, TX, her grandson Heath Martin and wife Dorian of Price, TX, her granddaughter Hannah Freemon and husband Matt of Price, TX, and her cherished great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Jory Jack, Jase, Elijah, Bonnie, Creed, and Alastor. Other beloved family members include Cindy Haynes and husband Steve, Sulema Rappazzo and husband Seth, and nieces and nephews. We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided to Gran by caregiver Arlene White and her precious team: Arene, Pam, and Kay. Bonnie is preceded in death by the love of her life Jack Edward LePelley Sr., her parents E.D. “Doc” and Winnie Laffoon, her dear sister Bobbie Hughes, and her grandson Jack Edward “Trey” LePelley III. Gran's grandsons and great-grandsons will honor her as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701 or to Carlisle Baptist Church’s Operation Christmas Child Fund at PO Box 101, Price, TX 75687. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mrs. Bonnie LePelley

August 27, 1934 - August 26, 2026