Danette “Bunny” Somers

February 25, 1933 - January 3, 2026

Danette Maxine Somers, affectionately known to all who loved her as Bunny, was born in 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, to Margaret and Daniel Bateman. She spent her childhood on a farm alongside her beloved older sister, Beverly, where she learned the values that would guide her life: resilience, thoughtfulness, and a genuine care for others.

Those early experiences remained a steady influence throughout her life, shaping Bunny’s patience, practicality, and lifelong love of animals. Bunny was a strong and steady presence, meeting life’s seasons with perseverance and quiet determination. She carried herself with grace and a kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

Bunny met the love of her life, Alan Somers, at a dance shortly after he returned home from serving in the Air Force. That single evening began a love story that would span 55 beautiful years of marriage.

Together, Bunny and Alan raised their two daughters, Charlene and Jackie, in Southern California, creating a home rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Family was always at the center of Bunny’s world; it was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment.

After Alan retired, they moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina, where they built a home on the lake and enjoyed many peaceful years together. Soon after Bunny and Alan settled there, both daughters moved to North Carolina as well—keeping their family close, just the way Bunny loved it.

Bunny found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments. She loved swimming, painting, and working on art projects with patience and care. In her later years, she especially enjoyed knitting hats and blankets for newborns—each stitch a quiet expression of love.

Bunny loved traveling with Alan, and after his passing, she continued that joy by traveling often with her daughters—weekend trips, new places, shared laughter, and memories made together.

Christmas held a special place in Bunny’s heart. It was never just about the lights but about time spent together. Football playing in the background, cooking in the kitchen, and family gathered close. Those moments, full of warmth, noise, and love, were everything to her.

Bunny’s strength was steady, her perseverance unshakable, and her love for family boundless. These were the gifts she gave so freely, every single day

Bunny leaves behind her daughters, Charlene (Raffy) and Jackie (Walter); four grandchildren, Anthony (Karen), Randy (Cinthya), Amanda (Robby), and Cody; five great-grandchildren, Chloe, Alan, Milania, Shepherd, and Myles, each of whom she adored and loved deeply; along with her nephew, Gary (Cindy); and her niece, Margie (Joe).