Bonnie Vann Hixson

Bonnie Vann Hixson, 84, of Pikeville passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013 after suffering many years with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was of the Baptist faith and was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. Bonnie loved to play Rook, go bowling, play softball, basketball and baseball, and enjoyed coaching. She taught school for 36 years, coached basketball for 20 of those years. She had numerous winning seasons, the opposing coach’s hated to see her coming.

Bonnie taught in Pikeville – in the Melvine and Luminary communities. She also taught in Crossville at Crab Orchard, Pleasant Hill, Cumberland Elementary, and Martin Jr. High. She lived and breathed basketball, if you were tall, she asked if you played. She always talked about basketball.

Bonnie and G.W. were married in Georgia, but spent most of their life together in Pikeville and in Crossville. Bonnie enjoyed teaching school and helping out on the family farm. She was the third generation to work on that farm. Bonnie and G.W. were good parents, loved and cared for their daughter, Vanda. They also let their nephews live with them while they attended school.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, George William (G.W.) Hixson; parents, James and Lela (Wilson) Vann; brothers, Duffield and Fletcher Wilson Vann; and a sister; Virginia Van Ault.

She is survived and will be sorely missed by her daughter, Vanda (John) Wilhoit; grandsons, Christopher Wyatt and Brian (Rachel) Wyatt; sister, Billie (Ray) Smith; great-grandchild, Cameron Nicole Bryant; several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life was held in the funeral home chapel on June 26 with Bro. Doyle Ashburn officiating. Burial was in the T.Y. Swafford Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts online with the family at www.pikevillefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Pikeville Funeral Home in Pikeville.