Obituary
Guest Book
1958
2017
Bonni Jo Tackett Eckstein 59, of Hooks, Texas passed away Wednesday Aug. 16, 2017 in a local hospice after a lengthy battle with cancer.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Mark Eckstein and parents Winfred Paul Tackett and Hargret Veda Tackett.
Bonni was employed at Opportunities Inc., as an Adult Services Supervisor. She was deeply dedicated to her work and was highly respected and loved by her clients and co-workers. She will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors include brothers and sisters in-laws Neal and Neya Tackett of Hooks, Texas, and Keith and Deborah Tackett of Fred, Texas. Nieces and Nephews Shawn and Leah Coleman of Hooks, Texas, James and Lawanda Tackett of Silsbee, Texas, Richard and Brenda Tackett of Vidor, Texas, and many other great nieces and nephews.
Bonni is also survived by her late husbands siblings Kathy Lewis, John, Dick, Mike, and Paul Eckstein, as well as many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 24, 2017 at East Memorial Chapel - Moores Lane with Rev. Cranford Graves officiating under the direction of the East Funeral Home - Moores Lane.
Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, prior to the service.
Online tributes may be made at www.eastfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by East Funeral Home.
August 25, 2017
Anna Sutton
I'm Anna Sutton, Bonni's niece. My great Aunt Rita couldn't make it to Bonni's funeral, but she wrote a few words for Bonni, just as she did for my Uncle Mark and several other family members.
I have always lived "in the south", southern Illinois to be exact. When I married John I was introduced to "the other south", Texarkana, Texas. When you came to visit, within 2-3 days you sounded like them. You became an Eckstein!
I loved Jo & Hank like they were my sister & brother. And I loved their kids, even though they pulled tricks on you! They babysat my boys, they played GI Joe with them, then pool & ping pong & it progressed to cards, men golf & beer! When they started to bring home dates & then married them they became loved too.
Today it is about Bonni. How could you not like Bonni? You immediately fell in love with her, just like Mark did. Up north in Chicago where we moved, people are in a hurry & talk a mile a minute. In Texas you speak slow & soft. The minute I met Bonni I was her biggest fan. In that slow southern deep voice , "hi glad to meet ya!" How ya'll doing? Mark had found the perfect wife. She was at home going out huntin', fishin' or anything you could shoot or catch, & then cookin' it. And she could cook. From wildlife food to her hush puppies & in between I was sold! She was a version of the pioneer woman. She looked better in camo than anyone I know. She is more comfortable in a tent or sleeping bag than most women. And how excited is she up in a duck blind?
Yep, she and Mark were a match made in Heaven. And that's where they are now, together in Heaven, & it wouldn't surprise me if the first thing they did was go hunting!
Most women would want a fancy wedding & reception but she was honored to have it at #9 Palm Drive with her family there. And then was not bothered by Uncle John looking for a light & turned on the garbage disposal during their vows. She laughed so hard about it.
I always admired her work at the center. She spoke about helping people find jobs & was so happy, almost to tears when they got one. She loved helping people. And her fur baby Lucy was so lucky to have Bonni as a mommy. She loved her to the end, & even shared her with Mark.
When Mark died I was telling Bonni that after my son Derek died, I would see cardinals, & I knew that he was by me. At that moment we saw one, 2 minutes later we saw a hawk & I said, there's Mark. He's here. It would not surprise me if one was seen today.
We Damhorst's have FOMO, fear of missing out! But now we are here saying goodbye to a sweet & kind woman who just loved being who she was & whom she shared life with. I hope the Eckstein's & Damhorst's greeted her at heavens door with " Hi, Darlin'! What took you so long?
Good bye Bonni, you were loved so much here on earth!
August 25, 2017
Diane Bland
Tell Bonni, to tell my Dad hello, and that they are in a better place, not this sin sick world.
August 24, 2017
Mark Musgrove
I miss you Ms. Bonni, I will see you up in Heaven one of these days.
August 24, 2017
Brian McGinty
I have known Ms. Bonni for 6 years and she help me learn skills in the Saw Shop. I miss so much it hurts.
August 24, 2017
Latisha Bursey
I hope you are in a better place, you will forever remain in our hearts. May God bless and Comfort your family.
August 24, 2017
Marjorie Norton
Bonni was at the meeting with me all the time with my family telling them how good I was doing on my different jobs. We prayed for her and feel sorry that she is gone.
August 24, 2017
Raynetta Connor
Bonni, I will dearly miss you very much, you was the sweetest person I ever knew. When I was down and out you help me get back on my feet. I will always miss you, I will always have a special place in my heart.
August 24, 2017
Karman Williams
Ms. Bonni always stuck up for people, and she always encouraged us. Whenever someone was down Ms. Bonni helped them to get back up, that was the kind of person she was and I will miss her.
August 24, 2017
Rebecca Rogers
Ms. Bonni taught me a lot, I love Ms. Bonni and will miss her, I know where she is. She helped me alot.
August 24, 2017
Bruce Marshall
It's terrible to hear about your loss and I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family. We loved Ms. Bonni and Lucy too.
August 24, 2017
Sarah Boatright
Ms. Bonni taught how to make bows, I loved her as a friend, she always talked to me when I had a problem, She always listen, Ms. Bonni always dressed in pretty flowers shirts. I will miss her.
August 24, 2017
Brenda & Barney Ghio
We have so many wonderful memories of fun times with Bonni and Mark. She was loved by so many and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. I know she is happy to be back with the love of her life.
August 23, 2017
Jack Coker
Alot of wonderful times
with Bonnie and Mark. Go in peace Bonnie and be with Mark again. Jack Coker and Family
August 22, 2017
Marla (Garrett) Byrd
Bonni Jo was a childhood friend. She was an absolute goofball, but I loved her and she loved me. I also loved her mom and dad...I spent many nights at their house. Then we moved when I was 7 and we just lost touch. I am so sad and so sorry for the family's loss. The boys probably don't remember me, but I remember them...they scared me then!!! At any rate, I loved your sister and am very sorry for your loss.
August 22, 2017
Frances Dickem
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have in your heart.
August 22, 2017
Jannette Buchanan
I am saying goodbye not just to a colleague, but also to a friend and my greatest source of inspiration. Farewell." I love you Ms. Bonni."
August 22, 2017
Lee Ann Duran
Bonni will be dearly missed. She was so kind-hearted and funny. I will miss her laugh.
August 21, 2017
Jodi Epperson
Mrs Bonni was an awesome boss and friend! I miss you so much already. You will always be in my heart...
August 18, 2017
Lindsey Greenwell
We all miss you from opportunities and I prayed for you every Wednesday and Sunday in church. You will always be my friend.
August 18, 2017
bo chesnutt
sorry for your loss. would like to be there for memorial but will be out of town. remember her when she was a little girl.
August 17, 2017
Karen Curtis Johnston
Dear Neal & Neya,
So sorry to hear about Bonnie, my prayers are with you.
Karen Curtis Johnston
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