Mrs. Bonnie Waterhouse Israel went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026. Born in Macon, Georgia, She spent a large part of her youth in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Bonnie earned her master’s degree in education from Valdosta State University, specializing in Learning Disabilities. She began her teaching career in Jacksonville, Fl. She and her family returned to GA where she taught at Fitzgerald High School, before moving to Marietta, Georgia. There, she continued her passion for education at South Cobb High School.
Bonnie truly loved teaching. She cherished her students and took a genuine interest in their lives, especially those with learning disabilities who were often overlooked. Her compassion and dedication made her a beloved teacher. During the holidays, she received heartfelt gifts and notes from mothers and grandmothers thanking her for the difference she made in their children’s lives. Many former students reached out over the years to share their successes and to credit her for believing in them and giving them the encouragement they needed.
Bonnie adored her family. Her son, Mark, was the light of her life, and she was always eager to share how proud she was of the man and father he had become. Her grandchildren, Carter and Riley, brought her immeasurable joy. She celebrated every one of their accomplishments—whether in school, on the ball field, or in life—with pride and love.
Bonnie loved football! Most especially the University of Georgia Bulldogs!!! Also a lifelong Atlanta Falcons fan! She would have a countdown every summer to the first day of practice for college football. The TV was always on when the Dawgs were playing!! She would absolutely go into a depression after the Super Bowl because that meant several months of no football! But the other sport she loved so much was horse racing!! Her lifelong dream was to go to the Kentucky Derby! When derby day came around, she knew every horse’s blood line and their statistics for the season. She truly loved those ponies!
She also had a special place in her heart for her little dogs. Leia, her two-year-old Bichon Frise, is full of energy and the perfect companion. Bonnie and Leia shared a sweet daily routine, and Leia is already missing her mama deeply. She will be lovingly cared for by Mark.
Bonnie’s family includes her son, Marshall Jerome Israel II; her grandson, Marshall Carter Israel; her granddaughter, Riley Elizabeth Israel; her sister, Lynn Lie-Nielsen; as well as three nieces, one nephew, two great-nephews, and one great-niece. Her presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Marshall Jerome Israel; her sister Beth Waterhouse Ridgeway; and her parents, Mr. Edward and Mrs. Rayme Waterhouse.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m, at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.