Bonnie Lou Bailey

Bonnie Lou Bailey, a cherished soul and a beacon of unwavering faith, was called home to the Lord on March 6, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on April 21, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bonnie's life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and the grace of God. She departed this Earth in the comforting surroundings of Byron Center, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and devotion that touched all who knew her.

Bonnie, affectionately known to many as just Bonnie, walked through life with a song of praise on her lips and the love of Jesus in her heart. She was a high school graduate who found her passion in the arts and the teachings of the Bible, which she studied and shared with others throughout her life. Bonnie's commitment to the Gospel was evident in every aspect of her being, and she dedicated her life to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, reflecting the words of Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations," a scripture she held dear and lived by daily.

Her professional journey was as diverse as it was fulfilling. Bonnie graced the halls of WestingHouse Office Furniture with her diligent work ethic, provided comfort and care at Holland Home as a nursing aid, and served guests with a smile at Cascade Hotel. Her most cherished vocation, however, was teaching special needs adults about the love of God, a role in which she shone brightly, guiding her students in faith and song.

Bonnie's personal interests were a mirror of her generous spirit. Her hands, always busy with knitting and crocheting, crafted countless blankets and towels that wrapped loved ones in the warmth of her affection. Gospel music was the soundtrack of her life, from dawn until the late hours of the night, her voice lifted in joyous worship. She took great pleasure in teaching the 'Gentle Giants'—her term of endearment for her special needs students—the word of God and gospel songs. Her life was a continuous act of praise, and she seized every opportunity to share the salvation story with those she met.

The words kind, loving, and generous only begin to describe Bonnie. She was a matriarch in her own right, a guiding light for her family, who will deeply miss her earthly presence. Bonnie was preceded in heaven by her husbands, Richard Bailey and Charlie Miller, her son Bill Miller, sister Jean Kenyon and great grandchild Graceland. She leaves behind a legacy carried on by her daughter and son-in-law, Jeanie and Bill Curley, grandchildren Mike and Terri Lusk, Jason and Kassie Miller, Austin Miller, Aaron and Amy Miller, Ryan Miller, and Jessica and Russell; stepchildren Pam Green, Sonja Bailey, and Rommie Bailey, and her cherished great-grandchildren Jessica, Roman, Juniper, Robbie, Jonnie, Emery, Ava, and Ellie, along with her son and daughter-in-law, Mason and Shelia Miller, and her grandson Nathan Miller.

As we gather to remember Bonnie, let us hold fast to the memories of her unwavering kindness and the love she poured out onto everyone she encountered. Her life was a melody of grace and compassion that will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she touched. In the words of the beloved hymnist Fanny Crosby, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!" Bonnie now rests in that divine glory, her faith made sight, her hope fulfilled, her journey complete.

We bid farewell to Bonnie Lou Bailey, a woman of God, a teacher of love, and a singer of His eternal gospel. Her spirit, now rejoined with the Heavenly choir, sings on—a beautiful, never-ending hymn of praise.