Bonnie Jean (O’Neal) Travers
October 12, 1946 - March 20, 2026
Bonnie Jean (O’Neal) Travers, age 79, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Born in Copperhill, VA on October 12, 1946, she was born the daughter of John and Eva Wilson. At age six, Bonnie was lovingly adopted by George and Rhoda (Yetter) O’Neal and raised in New Castle, DE. A 1965 graduate of William Penn High School, Bonnie attended Goldey Beacom School of Business and was employed by the DuPont Company, until 1970. She then devoted herself to her most cherished role as a homemaker and mother.
For 60 years, Bonnie shared a godly marriage with her devoted husband, Richard Travers. Together, they built a beautiful family, rooted in faith and centered on Christ. She poured her heart into her home, which she made warm and welcoming to all. Bonnie was a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of New Castle.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Haydon Travers; siblings, Everett Lee Wilson, Ralph Wilson, William Wilson, Betty Lou Lupfer, Marvin Wilson and Clorine Kidd; and sibling-in-laws, Priit Randla and Jim and Janice Sevy.
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Richard Travers; four children, Trina Taylor (Bill), Lisa Bouchat (Jim), Scott Travers (Heather) and Andrew Travers (Krista); siblings, Mary Ellen Hayden (Jack), Sylvia Carr and Clifton Wilson; and close friends for over 50 years, Barbara and Paul Knotts. She was affectionately called “Grammy” by Emily Skelton, Mackenzie Skelton (Justin), Logan Taylor, Haydon Travers, Aimee Bouchat, Camden Sorrell, Parker Travers, Beckett Travers (expected in July), Raychel Alexander (Stephen, Vincent, and Lia), and Jimmy Bouchat (Meghan and Delaney). She was a loving aunt to Lori Randla, Chris Randla (Angie), Alison Randla, Christopher Randla, Jimmy Sevy, Janet Nichols (Mark), Ashley Pelletier (Alex), and Jason Nichols (Kristine), as well as many other extended nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Catalyst Community Church, 410 Denver Road, Wilmington, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bonnie’s memory to Cure SMA, 50 East Commerce Drive, Suite 90, Schaumburg, IL 60173 or online by clicking here.
Linda Quispe
Aunt Bonnie was very sweet and caring. She will be missed. Prayers to all the family for peace during this difficult time
Rose spinelli
What a wonderful lady she was . We had so many conversations while waiting for our Sunday school kids to show up at FBC . I don’t even remember how many years it was . But I looked forward to Sunday Morning with her and MaryEllen .
Rennie/Suplee family
Family – Trina, Lisa, Scott and Andrew –
Know that we are thinking of you and praying for peace in the loss of your mother. She was a lovely and welcoming person.
May she rest in peace satisfied that she was a child of God – loving her family. Thinking especially of your dad.
Lisa White
Praying 🙏 for peace and comfort for the entire family
Sandi McHenry
When I think of Bonnie my heart feels warm and love because that is what she was. I have wonderful memories of our time together that put a smile on my face. She rests with Jesus now. In that we find great comfort .🩷
JoAnn Dill
Bonnie was a joy to work with along with Dick at FBC , for many parties and funerals! We always had the best times in the kitchen! Many memories to cherish!! See you in heaven sweet Bonnie💖
DEBBIE TOMS
Trina,Lisa,SCOTT and Andrew. Your mother was a wonderful Christian lady. We are praying 🙏 for you and your family at this difficult time. We know that she is in the arms of Jesus. Love ❤️ in Christ. Debbie and Gene TOMS
Elaine Russell
My heart aches over the sad news. I am so very sorry for your loss. After I moved from New Castle to Indiana, I still kept in touch with Bonnie. Mary Ellen kept me in the loop as to how Bonnie was doing. I will miss her messages but hold them dearly in my heart. She is together with Haydon now and the rest of her family but most importantly in the presence of our Lord and knowing Bonnie, I’m sure she heard “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Cheryl Buckalew
What a wonder heavenly welcome for Bonnie! What a blessing to hear
“Well Done!” From our Savior! Thankful she is enjoying heaven although she is missed by her earthly loved ones.
Janice Sninchak
My heart hurts for Lisa and all the family, Bonnie was such a nice person, enjoyed coming to Jim & Lisa’s house to visit with your mom, she will be missed
Dick Hoback
Such a lovely lady.God Bless her and bring her peace.
Brenda Goebel Denesowicz
Sending prayers to you and your Family!
Jim & Trish Fox
Bonnie was a cousin. I have many special memories from exchanging Christmas gifts as kids, to our years at Crystal Beach dancing, swimming and boating and of course early and recent memories at First Baptist in New Castle. Bonnie was loved by all who her knew her. Trish and I enjoyed the occasional getting together with her and Dick at a restaurant and catching up. She had a wonderful marriage and family. But we rejoice at her faith in Jesus Christ and the knowledge she is in His presence celebrating the reunions with her mom and dad and other family including a totally whole granddaughter, Haydon!
Dave Hewlett
Dick and family,
So sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. She was such a nice person and she always had a wonderful sense of humor. God bless you and your entire family.
Bonnie King
Dick and children, we are praying for you all during this difficult time. We pray God holds you close and brings you peace. Bonnie was such a beautiful person, always shining the light of Jesus.
Barb Law
Dick and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers are with you and your family.
Barb
Wendy Owsiany
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find peace and comfort in the fondest of memories you have of her.
May God continue to bless each of you.