- Date Of Birth: July 5, 1918
- Date Of Death: August 8, 2008
- State: Florida
ESTELLE BONNER Estelle Bonner, affectingly called ‘Tata’ by her nieces and nephews was, the ninth child of the late Seaborn and Viola Bonner and was born July 5, 1918, in Toxey, AL, and died peacefully surrounded by family on August 8, 2008 in Gulf Breeze, FL. Her death was the result of surgery to correct a broken hip. Estelle was preceded in death by brothers Andy, Abner, Seth and Glenny Bonner and sisters Eva Hamrick, Ruth Dicks, Blanche Cook and Clara Bonner. She received her early education at Toxey Consolidated School, South Choctaw County High School, Silas, AL, and graduated from Choctaw High School, Butler, AL. in May 1935. After graduation, she remained at home for two years due to finances and to care for her parents. In 1937 – 1939 she attended Livingston State Teachers College, Livingston, AL and earned a Professional Class D Certificate in Elementary Education and taught in a one teacher school in Melvin, AL, with a salary of $60 per month. She taught eight-years at Toxey Elementary School, serving as teaching principal for two years. During this time she took extension courses and summer sessions to complete requirements for a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Livingston. After graduation in 1948 from Livingston, she moved to Santa Rosa County, FL and taught at Jay Elementary and Crossroads schools until 1956. She then transferred to Gulf Breeze Elementary school when it opened in 1956 and taught first-grade there for eleven-years. During the summers she attended George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, TN, and earned a M.A. degree in Elementary Education. She continued courses to become certified in Educational Leadership. In 1967 Estelle was appointed Director of Elementary Education for the Santa Rosa School District, Milton, FL. and remained in the position for thirteen years. In 1980 she was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and served in that position until retirement in 1985. She was well known throughout the state for her educational leadership and served two-terms on the Florida State Commission for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. After serving 46-years in Alabama and Florida education, she retired in 1985.
