Bonita Roxie Aleja Sizemore was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 16, 1941 and peacefully transitioned on Sunday, February 19, 2017 while hospitalized in Renton, Washington.
Devoted mother to Rainelle (Wayne), Sabra and Raven; loving grandmother to Kwame, Jeremy, Ryan, Amelika, Kenese, Talalima, Genessa, Cawano and Sydney; caring sister of Karen, Mark and Bruce; “adopted” mother to a host of her children’s friends, and champion of all in her family - whether related by blood or through relationships. Preceded in death by her mother, Birdie and her sister, Ellen.
Bonita was raised in Cleveland, Ohio by her grandparents, Lorenzo and Roxie Sizemore, who made a tremendous impact on her life. A strong and independent woman, she wore many hats - working mother, student (Case Western Reserve, UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, Pacific School of Religion), teacher, artist and activist.
After being accepted at UC Santa Cruz in 1973, Bonita relocated with her children where UCSC counselor, Josie King was vital to the family’s successful transition to campus life. Even when the family moved to Berkeley following Bonita’s acceptance at UC Berkeley in 1977, Josie continued to be an important person in Bonita’s life. While living in Berkeley and the surrounding area, Bonita thrived - she immensely enjoyed being a part of the community!
In 2004, Bonita moved to Henderson Nevada where she worked on behalf of non-profit organizations for approximately ten years. During this time, Bonita made several close and supportive friends and enjoyed sunny and hot weather.
Due to failing health, Bonita relocated to Seattle in June 2015 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. While health issues prevented an independent lifestyle, Bonita stayed engaged with current events.
Over the years, Bonita was active in Karamu House in Cleveland (the oldest Black Theatre Company in the United States); was instrumental in creating Chimojalmako - a publication showcasing the work of UCSC’s students of color; sang as a member of the New Generation Singers in Oakland; was an enthusiastic supporter of Indigenous Peoples Day in Berkeley, the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, the American Indian Film Festival as well as activities at the Intertribal Friendships House in Oakland.
Bonita was a life-long learner, a teacher, a multi-talented person who enjoyed a wide variety of interests and hobbies including cooking, poetry, singing, sewing, genealogy, pow-wow dancing and beadwork. She valued diversity (long before it became a corporate value), appreciated the arts, loved music, liked to “talk politics”, read good books, and enjoy good food!
Bonita will be remembered as a person who welcomed all, took the time to serve as a mentor/surrogate mother to some and was a friend to many.
As her friend, Jean C. said, “she’s now doing the “happy dance” in heaven and is reunited with her mother and her sister.”
Rest in love Bonita!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 1st at 2:00pm at Studio One Artist Center – 365 45th Street, Oakland, California 94609.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to your local community center in Bonita's memory.