Bonnie Drake Wampler, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 100. Born in rural southeast Georgia during the Great Depression, she was the fifth child of Marvin Bunn Drake and Frances Lorene Clark Drake. Her childhood was shaped by farm life, family, faith, and the simple pleasures of the countryside—picking berries, gathering eggs, caring for animals, and helping in the garden.

Bonnie graduated from high school in 1943 and was determined to work and make her own way. During World War II, she moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked as a typist at the Navy Yard. She later continued her Civil Service career at Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia.

At Camp Gordon, Bonnie met Master Sergeant Mars Wampler. They married and shared 58 loving years together, raising four daughters and building a close family. Bonnie admired Mars’s kindness and intelligence, and she often said she was grateful she had chosen her “mountain guy.” He preceded her in death in 2007.

Bonnie’s faith in Jesus was central to her life. She gave many years of service to Mt. Olivet Church in Garfield, Georgia, where her faith and commitment to her church family were an important part of who she was.

Bonnie loved her family deeply and took pride in the compassionate, capable women her daughters became. She was also known as “Mom,” “Gramma,” and “Gee Gee,” names that reflected the many generations who cherished her. She spent countless hours researching her family’s genealogy and carefully keeping records, preserving stories and family history for generations to come.

She is survived by her daughters Debbie Wampler, Nancy (Bob) McKinstry, and Cindy (Ed) Flynn; her granddaughters Stephanie Friese, Emily (Deon) Tredoux, and Natalie (Robert) McNeal; and her great-grandchildren Mars Aron, Sophie Tredoux, Adair McNeal, and Ryla McNeal. Her daughter Tina Wampler preceded her in death.

Bonnie’s long life held a wealth of memories, from country roads and family gatherings to the many changes she witnessed across a century. She will be remembered for her strong faith, her love of family, and the care she gave to those around her.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Mt. Olivet Church. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of the following:

Deep Creek Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5614 Old Savannah Road, Midville, GA 30441

Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 30501