Bonnie Custer Whitley, 94, of Kerrville, passed away on June 7, 2026, in Kerrville. She was born in Harper to James and Cora Rogers Custer on October 1, 1931. She married the love of her life Thomas A. Whitley on June 12, 1967, in New Orleans, LA.
She worked in the insurance business in Dallas, Texas until her mid-30s, where she was a highly respected independent agency manager and made lifelong friends. Upon marrying Tom, she was most supportive of his work, traveling all over the US and abroad as his trusty companion.
She was involved in the Kerrville P.E.O. chapter GA for thirty-three years and played Bridge monthly with friends including her Joy Girls Group. She was a regular participant at the Dietert Center for lunch in the Friendship Cafe, with Bridge games afterward two days a week, plus an extra round on Saturdays. She loved all other types of card games as well and was the winner most of the time. She also loved putting puzzles together and always had one in the works. She loved being independent and driving her Jeep Compass all over town until a stroke changed her journey.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her precious husband Tom, sister Ruth Durst, nephew Roger Durst, step-son Thomas "Al" Whitley, and her parents.
Survivors include nephews Dusty Durst (Brenda), Jimmy Durst, step-daughter Karen McCarty Dick, niece Brenda Hanwit-New (Arthur), nephews Greg Whitley (Dee), John Swain (Annette), grandsons David Kenneth McCarty and Stephen John McCarty, and special Kerrville friends, Brenda and Curtis Thompson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 2:00pm at Dietert Center, 451 Guadalupe Street, Kerrville, with her special friend, Rev. Gene Lovering officiating. Her cremains were joined with Tom’s at the First United Methodist Church Columbarium on June 12, 2026, which would have been their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary. They are celebrating and rejoicing together again.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice. Bonnie was always supportive of those less fortunate.
We extend our sincere thanks to Peterson Home Health, Rehab, Providers at Home, and Hospice, Phiona Mayanja, Rick Perry, and the Caregivers and Residents of Heart and Stone Community Dwellings who made her last few weeks so filled with support and love, along with scores of friends that stopped by to visit and show their love to her. She loved every one so much and appreciated your visits.