Bonnie Riddell

Bonnie Sue Riddell, age 82, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home with Bro. Bob Connerly officiating. Burial will follow at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens in Brownsville, TN. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.

Bonnie Sue Brown Riddell was born November 11, 1942 in Knoxville, TN to Lee and Agnes Brown. Bonnie had a love for flowers that began as a young child playing in her father’s business, Brown Green Houses, where they also lived. Bonnie finished high school at South High School in Knoxville and then entered the Knoxville Business School receiving a business training degree. She began her career as an account manager at Standard Knitting Mills in Knoxville where she worked until 1969 when the “love of her life” Charlie graduated. Bonnie and Charlie’s forestry jobs brought them to Brownsville, TN in 1976 where they raised their three children, Lisa, Susan and “finally” their son, Keith Riddell.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles W. Riddell, Jr., of Brownsville, TN; her son, Keith Riddell (Kristy) of Jackson, TN; her daughters, Lisa Stanley (Scott) of Newbern, TN and Susan Norris (Andy) of Bells, TN. Five grandchildren, Jessica Hilliard, Will Norris (Chandler), Thomas Upchurch, Addisyn Riddell and Andrea Russell (Jeff); and four great grandchildren, Declan, Weston, Conner and Chesney. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Agnes Brown and her brother Kenneth Brown.

Bonnie, “Nana”, to her grandkids, was very dear to them, showing love and devotion to all of her family. Nana was always there if at all possible. They and “we” are certainly going to miss her.

Pallbearers for the service will be Will Norris, Thomas Upchurch, Andy Norris, Jeff Russell, Scott Stanley and Gary Joyner.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Brownsville Baptist Church Library Fund, 5 N. Wilson Ave., Brownsville, TN 38012 or to the Kirkland Cancer Center, 720 W. Forest Ave., Jackson, TN 38301. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.