Obituary of Bonnie Smith
Bonnie “Mamaw” Smith, 97 years old of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday; January 11, 2022 joining her husband, Lonnie Smith Jr. in Heaven. She was surrounded by family.
Born on February 20, 1924 in LaFollette, Tennessee to the late Luther and Helen Goins. Bonnie attended and graduated from Coolidge School. She also later taught at the same school during the war.
On December 27, 1944, she married the love of her life Lonnie Smith Jr. in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Sadly, Lonnie preceded her in death on May 27, 1997 after 53 glorious years of marriage.
Bonnie was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her family. She also worked as a teacher, as an aide at Beach Nursing Home, and as the Supervisor of the Toy Department at Rinks Bargain City until her retirement.
Anyone that knew Bonnie knew that she loved the Lord. She was a charter member of Evergreen Acres Missionary Baptist Church joining on October 7, 1950. She became the piano player on October 29, 1957 and played for over 63 years until her health declined. She was often called on to play the piano for many weddings, funeral, and at nursing homes throughout the community. Bonnie was very dedicated to her church holding positions such as Pianist, Church Clerk, Messenger, Sunday School Teacher, W.M.U. Member, Funeral Dinner Committee, and Deacon’s wife. She played and sang in several groups over the years most recently with her daughter and granddaughters. She was also known for sending birthday, get well, and thinking of you cards or making calls or visits to let those around her know that she cared.
Bonnie really enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved cheering and supporting school and sporting events. She was an avid Detroit Pistons and Detroit Tigers fan.
In addition to her husband Lonnie, Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents: Luther and Helen Goins; brothers: Earl, Carl, Ken, Kermit, and Taylor Goins; sisters: Marie Goins and Edith Lewis; son-in-law: Bill Turner; Grandson: Timothy Smith; and great-great granddaughter: Hayden Rian Elizabeth McDaniel.
Bonnie is survived by her daughter: Ruby J. Turner and son: Gerald (Patricia) Smith both of Monroe; brothers: Robert Goins of Tampa, Florida and David Goins of LaFollette, Tennessee; sisters-in-law: Edna Manning, Mary Shields, and Kathleen Smith; grandchildren: Chris Turner, Lori (Brian) McDaniel, Tina (Scott) Clawson all of Monroe, Michigan, Paula (James A.) Roy of Summerville, South Carolina, Todd Smith and Jeffrey (Shari) Smith both of Monroe; great grandchildren: BJ (Darci) McDaniel, Brandon (Amanda) McDaniel both of Monroe, Brad (Linzy) McDaniel of Dundee, Jake (Beth) Clawson of Temperance, Caleb and Colby Roy of Summerville, South Carolina, and Timmy, Zach, Taylor, Jonah, Elijah and Lola Smith all of Monroe; great-great grandchildren: Bailee, Peyton, Eden, and Wesley Clawson of Temperance, Andie, Brendan, Alex, Janie, and Callie McDaniel of Monroe, Harper, Liam, Tommy, and Izzy McDaniel of Dundee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Sunday; January 16, 2022 at Evergreen Acres Missionary Baptist Church, 4875 East Dunbar Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161. She will lie-in-state from 10:00am until a service Celebrating Her Life at 11:00am on Monday; January 17, 2022 also at the church. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe for burial. Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with her care.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Evergreen Acres Missionary Baptist Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
