Some people are remembered for what they accomplished. Others are remembered for how they made people feel. Bonita Johnson Tyler (Shackleford), lovingly known as Big Mama, Desiree, Aunt Desiree, Auntie, and Sissypoo, peacefully entered eternal rest at home on July 11, 2026.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in King and Queen County, Bonita later made Williamsburg her home, where she and her husband, Kenneth Lee Tyler, built a life centered on faith, family, and service.
Bonita graduated from Central High School, Class of 1975. She worked at the Williamsburg Pottery, Camp Peary, and co-owned Bonita’s Wood Shop & Antiques. She faithfully served First Baptist Church of Hockley, including twenty years as President of the Deaconess Board.
To know Bonita was to experience unconditional love. She never met a stranger and had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel like family. Her kitchen, holiday gatherings, generosity, and unwavering faith created memories that will live on for generations.
Bonita’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of forty-two years, Kenneth Lee Tyler; her children, Clifton Douglas Johnson III (“CJ”) and wife Sanchia, Katrina Tyler Gilbert, and Kenny Lee Tyler and wife Maria; her cherished grandchildren, Tyler D. Johnson, Kassia Bell, Gabrielle Johnson, Aniyah Gilbert, Josiah Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Jada Gilbert, Aaliyah Tyler, and Colin Tyler; her beloved goddaughter, Amirah Carter-Hill; her bonus daughter, Angel Bowman and bonus son, Purcell “PJ” Piggott; her siblings, Donald Shackleford, Michal Shackleford, Kelvin “Bruce” Shackleford, Rayford “Dale” Shackleford (Victoria), and Ramona “Neicey” Allen (Steven); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, treasured friends, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Junius and Louise Shackleford; her first husband, Clifton Douglas Johnson Jr.; and her beloved grandson, Tyler D. Johnson.
