LELAND — Elaina Rosita Bonner passed away peacefully at her home in Jacksonville, NC, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at the age of 43. Born on Monday, May 16, 1983, in Atlanta, GA, Elaina’s life was a testament to love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to her family and passions.
Elaina spent her formative years in the Southport and Leland area, where she graduated from South Brunswick High School. She went on to earn her Associate’s degree from Miller-Motte College. Her career began as a medical office assistant at JCMC, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail and compassionate nature. However, it was as a wife and mother that Elaina truly found her calling, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family.
Elaina had a deep love for nature, particularly sea turtles, hummingbirds and tending to her gardens. She delighted in collecting and assembling intricate LEGO sets and could often be found piecing together puzzles with her characteristic focus and determination.
Her home was a warm and welcoming place, known to all as the gathering spot where laughter and love were abundant. She was an exceptional cook, best known for her delicious mac and cheese and fried pork chops, dishes that brought family and friends around the table.
Elaina’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was the loving wife to Richard M. Bonner for 18 years; she traveled the states by his side while he served in the military. They built a beautiful family becoming the mother to: Amaya Gregg (husband, Ryan) of Virginia Beach, VA, Layla Bonner, Morgan Bonner, and Richard “Matthew” Bonner, all of Jacksonville.
Her father, David Gonzalez of Atlanta, GA; sister, Denise Gore (husband, Edgar) of Leland, NC; brothers, Allen Weaver (wife, Amber) of Boiling Springs, NC and Nicholas Weaver (wife, Paola) of Seattle, Washington will all miss her dearly.
Elaina is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Sharon (Weaver) Hines, who she is now reunited with in Heaven.
To know Elaina is to know she was a loving, thoughtful, and caring person who always put others before herself. Her sarcastic sense of humor and feisty spirit were endearing traits that brought smiles and laughter to those around her.
Elaina Rosita Bonner may have left this world, but her spirit—full of love, wit, and just the right amount of sass—will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
