Bonnie Sharon Jones Kirkland passed away peacefully in her home in Polk County, Texas at the age of 84 on Saturday, October 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 25, 1941 in Houston, Texas to James Bethel Jones of Moscow and Bonnie Mildred Calhoun Jones of Florida.
Sharon is survived by her husband Charles Ancel Hallett; three children and eight grandchildren, Bonnie Sheryl Ward and husband Frank Ward (grandsons Dayne and Hunter Harris), James David Thompson and wife Kirsten Sparkman (grandsons Jaime and Justin), and Derek Wayne Thompson and wife Jenny Thompson (grandchildren D.J., Amber, Shanon and Jonathan); five great-grandchildren, Clayton, Mason, Hana, Khayra, and Ryder; sister, Margaret Elizabeth Morris (nephew John); brother, James Bethel Jones Jr. and wife (nephews Jay and Matt and niece Millie).
Sharon was known for her deep love of family and community, strength of character, and commitment to helping others. Her career as an educator spanned three decades, dedicating her life specifically to uplifting the underprivileged and emotionally challenged. She bravely brought into practice her beliefs in fairness, compassion, inclusion, and opportunity for the most marginalized.
Her friends and family will remember her as an energetic, adventurous, fun-loving, and fiercely independent woman, who often made her own way in life, before finding a loving soulmate in Charles during her golden years. Many will recall her competitive spirit in bridge and passion for world travel.
A celebration of life will be held at First Methodist Church of Livingston on Monday, November 3 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory may be given to: Learning Disabilities Association of America at LDAamerica.org or First Methodist Church of Livingston’s “Helping Hands.”
