Mrs. Bonnie Lou Piotter [Physical Education teacher at Cornell Elementary School] passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, in McKinney, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Sweet (Havershaw) and Reynold Sweet, and her brother Jack Sweet.
She was born on September 16, 1940, in South Lyon, Michigan, where she was raised and educated from kindergarten through high school. During her high school years, Bonnie was an enthusiastic cheerleader.
Bonnie pursued her passion for education at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Fitness Education. She continued her studies at Western Michigan University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Education.
She dedicated 40 years of her life to teaching physical education, Bonnie began her teaching career at Kalamazoo College and later spent many years with the Okemos, Michigan School System. She often spoke fondly of her years in Okemos and the students whose lives she touched.
Bonnie’s strong work ethic began at a young age, working summers at the Hilltop Restaurant starting at just 12 years old.
She was married to her husband, Jack Piotter, who preceded her in death. The two met while teaching physical education at summer camps in Michigan.
Bonnie was known for her sense of humor and her ability to make those around her laugh. She cherished time spent with her family, especially her nephews, Doug and Greg, with whom she created many lasting summer memories.
As a child, Bonnie’s adventurous spirit showed early-she was known to sneak out of school by slipping under a door to visit her father at his Kroger store.
She was devoted to her family, especially caring for her parents in their final years. Bonnie also took great pride in honoring her family’s legacy. She never missed an opportunity to decorate family graves at South Lyon Cemetery, Leland Cemetery, and Worden Cemetery.
After losing her sight, Bonnie lived with her brother, Jerry, first in Plymouth, Michigan, and later in McKinney, Texas.
A woman of strong faith, Bonnie was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and prayed constantly for her family and for the world.
Bonnie will be remembered for her kindness, humor, dedication, and unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and joyful memories that will be cherished by all who knew her.
She is survived by her brother Jerry Sweet; nephews Doug Sweet and Greg Sweet, sister Nellie Ann Avis; nieces Amy Avis and Molly Avis Ball; and Jack’s three children; Jeff Piotter, Steven Piotter, and Denise Piotter Swartz.
Published March 30, 1982 Lansing State Journal
Published March 16, 2008 Lansing State Journal
Published December 03, 2023 Lansing State Journal - obituary of husband Jack Piotter
https://www.phillipsfuneral.com/obituaries/Bonnie-Lou-Piotter?obId=48781222#/obituaryInfo