My mother, Bonnie Marie Russ, was born November 22, 1915. She married Frederick Harry Wright on Feb. 7, 1935. They moved from Shreveport, La. to Center, TX in the spriing of 1963. She died as Bonnie Russ Wright (Mrs. Fred H. Wright) on November 2, 1974 in Shreveport where she was transported following a stroke. Her mother was Velma Annette Trickett who married Fred Earl Russ, Sr. on Nov. 18, 1908. Mom had an older sister, Miriam Virginia Russ Hunsicker, and a younger brother, Fred Earl Russ, Jr. They are all deceased and buried in Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport, La.

As for Mom's personality and accomplishments, she was truly an outstanding woman, very happy, talented in leadership, loved homemaking, was a good cook and enjoyed giving parties, reading novels, and being a member of the Garden Club. Her favorite color was blue and her favorite food was chicken and dumplings. She made wonderful biscuits and was well-known for her delicious chocolate pies. She enjoyed beautiful "easy listening" music.

Mom was a 2nd generation member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and she organized Chapter X, P.E.O. in Shreveport, La. I was initiated into that chapter on Jan. 9, 1959 as a 3rd generation member. I am now a 50-year "Golden Girl" member. This past Nov. 21, 2009 my daughter, Bonnie Annette Martin Cain, was initiated into my chapter (Chapter IM, P.E.O. in Lufkin, Texas) as a 4th generation member. I was so proud!!! P.E.O. is a philanthropic educational organization that owns and operates a junior college for girls in Nevada, MO. called Cottey College.


The P.E.O. Sisterhood


I was born Bonnie Annette Wright on Sept. 22, 1935. I married Edward John Martin, Sr. on December 18, 1955. We divorced in June, 1996 and he died of cancer on June 15, 2003. I live in Nacogdoches, TX. Brother, Richard Earl Wright, was born on Jan. 26, 1940 and died Nov. 24, 1957. Brother, William Penney Wright (Bill) on Sept. 20, 1943. Lives in Rancho Mirage, California Sister Carol Elizabeth Wright was born March 6, 1945. She is in a nursing home in Jacksonville, TX. Sister, Virginia Diane (Dianne) Wright was born August 20, 1950. She married Ray Coats and they live in Jacksonville, TX. They have one son, Jason Paul Coats born on Feb. 4, 1979.

Her other grandchildren (mine) are:
Deceased twins, Roger Martin and Russ Martin
Cynthia Martin Fike of Peace Valley, MO.
Bonnie Martin Cain of Lufkin, TX.
Edward J. Martin, Jr. of Greenfield, IN.
Frederick E. Martin of Felton, DE. (T/Sgt. at Dover, AFB, De.)

Author: Annette Martin a.k.a. Monette