Bonnylin Woods Martin

December 14, 1933 - February 2, 2022

Bonnylin Woods Martin (Bonny) left this earth to be with her Lord Father in heaven on February 2, 2022 after a courageous 15 month battle with Stage 4 cancer. A true aesthetic, most of her days were spent thinking about ways to create and improve spaces for laughter and fun. Born December 14, 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression, she grew up in the family’s lumber business. Bonny, daughter of Bonnylin & Eugene Woods, Jr. and younger sister to Eugenia Woods Weathersby, married David Brownson Martin in September 1951 after graduating the previous May from The Hutchison School. David, while in Architecture School at Stanford, often traveled to Memphis visiting his parents, Elizabeth and Adm. Beauty (Harold Montgomery) Martin, retiring commander NAS Memphis. Being the post WWII era of the greatest generation, in a few months they courted, fell in love and were married for 63 years. They have two surviving children, David, Jr. and Maureen whom live in Newnan, GA and Montgomery and Laura whom reside here in Memphis. Grandchildren are Bonny (Nathan), Kathyrn (Benton), Emma (Logan), Lauren and Neile. Great Grandchildren are Sam, Cara, Miller and Lee. Many nieces, nephews and cousins live throughout the USA. Bonny’s natural beauty was mirrored by her appreciation for the natural world. She thrived while creating ornate flower arrangements, growing unique roses or collecting rare oriental plants. Bonny also loved her friends, parties and holiday gatherings for the larger family. Many great memories of the fun and laughter remain. The achievements in her lifetime are too many to recount. She volunteered her time at the LeBonheur Club in the hospital’s formative years. In her love for Memphis, while on the Park Commission, she worked to help prevent the continuation of I-40 through Overton Park. Additionally, she helped to stop the private development of Shelby Farms which today is the largest public inner-city park in the USA. Cherished organizations include The Memphis Garden Club, Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Bonsai Society, Ikebana International, Junior League, Memphis Botanic Garden and more. Whether a club activity, organization or the entire city, Bonny sought to engage everyone she could in her quest to enhance the world around her. Named in a local news article “The Flower of Memphis” she was rarely without an opinion on any subject. In her pursuits of community building, horticulture, flowers or politics she was often able to help shape a way forward while mentoring so many younger women. David and Bonny traveled extensively and especially loved Japan where she nurtured her Bonsai art. Being members of the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club and The Memphis Country Club they both enjoyed hours there with so many friends. Flowers and contribution gifts are welcomed. If desired, contributions can be sent to The Dixon Gallery & Gardens in honor of Bonny. Visitation is set for Friday, February 11, 5pm -7pm at Canale Funeral Directors. A private ceremony for extended family is set in the Chapel of Independent Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 12 with inurnment next to her beloved David. Amen.