Shockey Roots

Bonnie Jean Carter-Shanholtz, age 65, of Romney, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Born on June 2, 1958 in Winchester, VA to the late James Alfred Shockey and Mildred Autumn (Cheshire) Shockey, Bonnie was the oldest of 10 children. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Tommy Carter; two brothers, Bryan Shockey and Mark Shockey; and one sister, Linda Shockey, who passed away during infancy.

She is survived by her husband of 7 years, Virgil E. Shanholtz of Romney; her sons, Jamie E. Carter and Bob L. Campbell, both of Romney; and three daughters, Rhonda L. Cheshire (Eldon) of Winchester, Renee L. Martin (Scott) of Boardman, OR, and Britney M. Taylor of Glen Burnie, MD. Bonnie is also survived by her step-son, Christopher E. Shanholtz (Jennie) of Bunker Hill; her step-daughter, Victoria B. Shanholtz of Moorefield; and three grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by five brothers, James Shockey (Hali) of Slanesville, Alfred Shockey of Romney, Ronald Shockey (Rowanne) of Augusta, Bobby Shockey (Alma) of Winchester, and Michael Shockey (Lisa) of Shanks; one sister, Pamela Clem (Rex) of McBee, SC; two sisters-in-law, Vicky Wright (Chuck) of Romney and Debra Tyree (Buck) of Romney; her step-father, Garland W. Zirk of Romney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bonnie also leaves behind her childhood best friend, Daisy McBride of Romney, her fur baby, Miss Maggie May, and her “Grand Puppy,” Charlie.

Bonnie was raised “in the holler” in Romney and spent her entire life here in Hampshire County. She was a graduate of Hampshire High School’s Class of 1977. Shortly after graduation, she married her first love, Tommy Carter. Not too long after, they welcomed a son, Jamie. Though young, she was a wonderful mother to not only Jamie, but also her step-daughters, whom she raised alongside Tommy.

She worked several years at the Kinney Shoe Factory in Romney when the children were young, then eventually being hired at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind as a house parent and an aide. Bonnie was also the director of the Tapestry Program at the WVSDB and if you knew Bonnie, you know that all of the children she cared for and taught were “her kids.” After a wonderful 30-year career, she retired in 2022 from the WVSDB.

Retirement brought a slower pace for Bonnie and Virgil. She loved porch sitting with her Maggie May, watching the cars go by, and watching Maggie chase squirrels. She loved planting flowers and tending to her gardens. She also enjoyed riding as a passenger on Virgil’s motorcycle, a pastime she also enjoyed with Tommy. She loved deer hunting, and would go out every season with Virgil “in the holler.” She killed her first buck at the age of 62 and was proud to be the first person to get a buck that year!

Bonnie was a fierce protector of her family and if you knew her, you knew that there was never a question as to what was on her mind. She would do anything for anybody, even if meant inconveniencing herself to help. Bonnie was always smiling, making her people laugh, and willing to offer a hug.

There really could never be enough space on the page to write about who she was to those that knew her and loved her. Simply put, she was the best.

Bonnie’s family wishes to offer a heartfelt thank you to the oncology staff, nurses, and doctors at Winchester Medical Center during her stay there.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Romney First United Methodist Church in Romney. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Mark James and Rev. Dr. Roy Knight will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private.

Bonnie was a member of the Romney First United Methodist Church and was an active member in the RFUMC Choir. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Romney First United Church Music Program in her honor. Contributions may be sent to: RFUMC ~ 49 North High St. ~ Romney, WV 26757

Please direct inquiries to Shaffer Funeral Home, Romney 304.822.3511

–Thank you to Sharon Shockey Wetzel for bringing this obit to my attention.–