Bonnie Hoyle Rumsey

Bonnie Hoyle Rumsey, a former longtime resident of White Stone, Virginia, died on June 14, 2025 in Charleston, SC. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Dexter C. Rumsey III.

Bonnie was born October 16, 1941 in Henderson, N.C. She was the eldest of four children and graduated from Henderson High School. After two years at UNC Women's College, Bonnie moved to Chapel Hill in 1963 to attend UNC as a co-ed, pursuing a degree in education. She was elected to serve as Secretary for the UNC Junior Class and pledged Pi Beta Phi. At the sorority, she caught the eye of a handsome waiter, Dexter, also a UNC junior, and after graduation in 1964, they were married.

Their life journey together took them from California to Charlottesville, Virginia, then finally to White Stone, Virginia in the Northern Neck, where they spent over four decades making dear friends and restoring a run down old farm house on Dymer Creek into a beautiful estate, now on the Virginia Historic Register. She and Dexter were members of Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock and raised their two children in faith and service to the Lord.

In the mid 1970’s, Bonnie and two partners established a ladies’ clothing boutique, The Dandelion, in Irvington, Virginia. Her fashion and business sense were exceptional and the Dandelion became a sought after shopping destination for locals and visitors to the Northern Neck. After decades in retail, Bonnie yearned to see the world and travel. Her sights were set on places far and remote, and she embraced all the nuances of different cultures, often going off the beaten path, to immerse herself in villages, learning about the women's particular ways of life. She traveled to India, Egypt, Kenya, Nepal, China, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Ecuador, and in her travels she discovered a new interest and talent. She had a keen eye and aptitude for photography. Her beautiful photographs in distant lands provide the viewer with intimate portraits of the raw beauty of vastly diverse people living their lives surrounded by iconic landmarks or deep within remote villages. Her experiences in travel were catalysts for deep spiritual growth, and in her last two decades of life, she pursued a higher knowledge and understanding of our connection with the Divine, and her heart was filled with gratitude for her life and the many blessings she had received.

In 2018, Bonnie moved to Charleston, SC and greatly enjoyed being close to family in her final years. She moved into Bishop Gadsden in 2024 where she received wonderful care in Arcadia.

Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, Arch C. and Jennie S. Hoyle, and sister, Kay H. Rankin. She is survived by her daughter Caroline R. Paxton (Coalter), and son, Dexter C. Rumsey IV (Sara); grandchildren, Coalter Paxton IV (Payton), Grace Paxton, Thomas Paxton, Stuart Rumsey and Harry Rumsey; great-grandchildren, Coalter Paxton V, and Jack Paxton. She also is survived by her brother, A. Clark Hoyle (Gemma) and beloved sister Diane H. Hogshire (Ted).

Bonnie lived a wonderful life. She was articulate, smart and beautiful and was a loyal friend to many. She cherished her decades of time with her "Dream Group", where she explored the depths of our soul's innate gifts and creativity. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who loved having all of her family together in the lovely Virginia home that she and her husband so meticulously restored.

As we mourn the loss of such a dear person, we celebrate with joy her resurrection through Christ, and believe wholeheartedly she is now in the glory of God and with the love of her life, Dexter.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 3pm on Saturday, June 21st in the chapel at Bishop Gadsden, 5 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1059, Kilmarnock, VA, 22482