Bonnie Turner Everson's Obituary
Germantown arts activist, Bonnie Turner Everson, 92, passed away on
December 25, 2025.
Bonnie lived a life of purpose, creativity and adventure. Her parents, Jesse & Faye Turner always knew she would be an artist. From the time she could hold a pencil, she created drawings and copied the funny papers of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Bonnie focused on art while attending Messick High School in Memphis, TN. She continued her creative education at the Memphis Academy of Art through the 1950’s receiving her BFA in graphic arts. During her time at the “Academy”, she engaged with likeminded colorful students who would later become lifelong friends.
Bonnie planned to leave Memphis and seek employment in graphic arts and fashion design in the bright lights of Manhattan. Those plans were dashed on the academy staircase by a chance encounter with fellow artist Knox Everson who soon became the “love of her life”.
Bonnie graduated and married the man “who would not take no for an answer” and continued her teaching career at MAA for another 7 years. Her love of learning and education inspired her go on and earn her Master’s Degree in Education with a minor in Interior Design.
Bonnie also taught at Sienna College, Memphis State University, and Shelby State Community College. During her tenure, Bonnie originated the course “Design and Related Arts” that became a part of the Shelby State Art Department’s core curriculum.
In 1966, Bonnie and husband Knox moved from Memphis to what was then the “boondocks” of Germantown. Together they designed and built a rural French/English, Irish/Tudor farmhouse. She went on to teach art to beloved Poplar Estates children in her unfurnished dining room.
Bonnie was highly active on art associated projects for the City of Germantown, TN. She was a member of the Germantown Arts Selection Committee, the Germantown Arts Commission, and the Germantown Arts Alliance. She later became Executive Director of the Germantown Arts Commission’s first Arts Council and Director of Neshoba School for the Arts.
Bonnie’s affiliation with many local art groups has been memorable. She helped transform the Germantown Library into the Germantown Theater for Performing Arts. She served on the theater’s Board of Directors while helping to design & build theatrical sets.
Bonnie was a member of the Germantown Symphony Guild, Germantown Performing Arts Guild, the Dixon Gallery and the Brooks Museum of Art.
Bonnie contributed to the publication of Germantown Parks & Recreation print media and wrote the art column “Culcha” for the Germantown News.
Her most difficult task was writing Shelby Foote’s acceptance speech for the “Literary Medal” from the Germantown Arts Alliance. Bonnie was later speechless when she and Knox received a medal of their own that night for the Patrons of the Arts award!
Bonnie made time for all she loved. Between serving on all the various committees, she and Knox became founding members of the Shelby County Sports Car Club. They enjoyed many rallies and numerous hours bouncing the backroads in their original 1949 MG TC. She and Knox also enjoyed their membership in the “Knights of the Vine” wine society.
Bonnie lived for adventure and loved to travel. One of her favorite trips began on the QEII from New York and ended by traveling on the Orient Express to points beyond. She also enjoyed family camping, car races, car shows, air shows, airplane rides, bicycle built for two rides, and all sorts of 1969 VW Bus travel.
Bonnie’s dinner parties were legendary. Anyone dare mention the word ‘soirée’ and all kitchen cabinets and fridge would be emptied, table set and furniture rearranged for dinner and dancing.
On the light side of her life, her free-flowing hairstyle was part of her persona. It was a constant topic of conversation for many years. The unruly locks were eventually piled into a “top knot” on the center of her head.
While working as a tour guide in a short-lived travel career, her customers told her to never cut her hair because they would not be able to find her in
a crowd! The “pile” was also referred to as “beacon” by many loving family members for the exact same reason.
Bonnie chose a life that mattered, lived her creative life in color, was inclusive and never met a stranger. She lived each day with enthusiasm as if it might be her last.
Bonnie was a lifelong Episcopalian and always leaned on her faith. She was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Collierville, Tennessee.
Cherishing her memory and celebrating her life, she leaves a son, Val Everson of Memphis, TN. and a daughter/son-in-law Daryn & John Edwards of Franklin, TN.
Bonnie’s family kindly requests no flowers. Memorials may be sent to The Dixon Gallery and Gardens or Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis, TN.
The graveside service for Ms. Bonnie Everson will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM. Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN, has been entrusted with arrangements.
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