Jonna L. Alfonso's Obituary
Jonna Wiggins Alfonso, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Jonna's life was a testament to love, dedication, and service to others.
Jonna was blessed with a large and loving family. She married her best friend, Danny Alfonso, with whom she shared nearly 58 beautiful years. Their love story began at Publix, where Danny bagged her pack of bubble gum and walked her to her car, marking the start of a lifetime together. It was love at first sight.
Together they had two children, Danny Alfonso (Kim) and Tammy Chancey (Tony). Jonna was a loving and supportive mother and cherished being promoted to Nana. She was a Nana to Holden Alfonso (Courtney), Caitlin Bowles (Evan), Jordan Waters (Madeline), Jason Chancey (Tiffany), Jarrod Chancey (Sarah), Tyler Chancey (Trina), and two great granddaughters Paisley Chancey and London Bowles. She was an amazing Nana with unwavering support and enthusiasm at all their baseball, cheerleading, wrestling, cross-country, and softball games.
Jonna valued family and epitomized what family stands for, saying there’s nothing like family. Jonna is survived by her sisters, Valerie Moore (Eugene), Betsy Bouwhuizen (Herman), and Hallie Hanson, Brother-in-Law Ronnie Alfonso (Holly) and cousin Clyde Wiggins (Cindy). She loved shelling with her sisters. Her granddaughter Caitlin fondly called her the "shellingador" for her love of collecting shells on the beach with her sisters.
Affectionately named Aunt Jonna to a host of nieces and nephews, each of whom she loved dearly: Connie Smith (Donnie), Valerie Ellery (Gregg), Christy Cruz (Juan), Todd Moore, Susanna Proctor (Cecil), Alice Rimer (Clint), Laura Moore, Paul Bouwhuizen (Heather), Miesje Carlsen (Cam), Brittany Rohr, Bridgitte Duryea (Brian), Dominique Jones (Kenny), Monica Bonis (Bobby), Alyssa Rodriguez (Javi), Ronnie Alfonso Jr. (Kaela), and Aaron Alfonso.
Jonna's family extended further with her great-nieces and great-nephews, with whom she loved to capture memories through her photography as she was always behind the camera. She was a Great Aunt to Ashley Battle (Shane), Matthew and Morgan Smith, Mallorie Crosby, Austin Smith (Amber), Nicholas Carlton (Beth), Derek Jozwiakowski (Gabi), Jacey Smith (Wayne), Brooke Vislay (Joel), Evan, Frankie, and Arian Cruz, and Great-Great Aunt to Ashton and Logan Battle, Oakley and Riley, Harper Grace, Weston, Mason, and Cooper Smith, Evelyn Carlton, Wyatt and Isla Smith, Jecht and Jensen Vislay, Josh Moore, Grace Rimer, Eli Duryea, Boston and Banks Welcheck, Joshua Evans (Ashley) Cameron, Ava, Rhys, and Delilah Bouwhuizen, Coen and Sparrow Carlsen, Aliana and Landan Jones, Bobby and Grant Bonis, Asher Rodriguez.
Jonna was preceded in death by her parents, John and Velma Wiggins, her cherished in-laws, Al and Mercy Alfonso, her beloved sister Laurie Hill, brother-in-law Roger Hill, and nephew Ryan Hill, along with many dear aunts and uncles.
Jonna's generosity and love for serving others were evident in every aspect of her life. She was an active member of Idlewild Baptist Church under her loving Pastor Ken Whitten, where she participated in choir tours, Christmas presentations, the banner ministry, a member of the Tech Team, and adored her music minister, Ron Upton. She was also a devoted chaperone for youth camps and found joy in being in her Joint Heirs Bible Fellowship class.
She spent many early years as an exceptional coach for cheerleading, volleyball, and softball and took great pride in her 38-year perfect driving record as a school bus driver for ESE kids in Hillsborough County. Her nurturing, loving, and kind spirit touched countless lives.
Jonna cherished family traditions, especially Christmas Eve at the Alfonso house. She enjoyed family ski and road trips, Black Friday Shopping, Fourth of July beach vacations, cruises, trips to the movies with buttered popcorn and cherry Coke, and cuddling with her two dogs, Abby and Gidget.
Jonna Alfonso lived a life full of love, service, and devotion to her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity, having touched the hearts of many. She had friends and lifelong friendships that turned into family. As she crossed the gates, we know she heard the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
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