Bonnie Zander

Bonnie Tutterow Zander, known affectionately as Bonnie, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024, after an extended illness in Dothan, Alabama. Born on May 14, 1951, in North Carolina, Bonnie's life was a rich tapestry of creativity, education, and family devotion. She brought beauty and joy into the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and artistry that will be cherished for generations to come.

Bonnie's journey began in the gentle hills of North Carolina where her parents, the late Jake Tutterow and Jenny (Foster) Tutterow, welcomed her into a world where family and community were cornerstones. She grew up alongside her sisters, Linda (Mike) Keller of Mocksville, North Carolina, and Susi Frye of Advance, North Carolina, and her late brothers, Gene (Lynda) Tutterow and Ray Tutterow. The bonds of sibling love and shared experiences laid the foundation for the caring and passionate person Bonnie would become.

Her artistic talents and love for teaching were evident early on and were nurtured through her education. Bonnie attended elementary school in Cooleemee, North Carolina and high school in Mocksville, North Carolina. She further honed her skills and knowledge at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where she earned a degree in Art Education. Bonnie's commitment to fostering creativity in young minds led her to a fulfilling career as an art educator in public schools.

In 1972, Bonnie began a journey of love and partnership with her husband of 52 years, Albert (Ab) Zander. Together, they shared life's adventures and challenges, building a family with their daughters, Carrie (Larry) Vause of Richland, Missouri, and Lara Zander of Dothan, Alabama. Bonnie's role as "Grams" to her seven grandchildren was one of her most cherished, and she was a beacon of love and creativity for her family. Bonnie was preceded in death by her grandson, Dominic Zander Coppage.

Bonnie and Albert moved to Dothan in 1988, where Bonnie's passion for art and education continued to flourish. She was a beloved docent of the Wiregrass Museum of Art and shared her knowledge and enthusiasm through teaching and volunteering at many Wiregrass area schools. Her commitment to the arts was unwavering, and she taught art classes for over 36 years, touching the lives of countless students and community members.

Her creativity was not limited to the classroom. Bonnie was known for her exceptional crafts, and her lifelong hobbies of fiber arts, knitting, and crocheting brought comfort and beauty to many. She was always on the lookout for new creative challenges, which led her to forge many meaningful connections throughout the community.

Bonnie's love for her family was paramount, and she enjoyed involving her children and grandchildren in her passion for cooking. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and laughter, where she crafted delicious meals like chicken pot pie, cakes, pies, and cookies. These moments of togetherness were a testament to her nurturing spirit.

Loving, creative, and passionate are the words that best describe Bonnie. She dedicated her life to her family, her art, and her students, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered. Her legacy is one of inspiration, teaching us all to find beauty in the everyday and to express love through our actions and creations. Bonnie's spirit, like her art, will remain a vibrant and enduring presence in our lives.

The family will receive friends, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the Sunset Funeral Home Parlor. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bonnie’s honor to help in their efforts to defeat cancers and other catastrophic childhood diseases. Bonnie will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park.