Bonnie J. Smith

Bonnie J. Smith

Daughter • Mother • Wife • Sister • Grandmother • Friend • Child of the Most High God

Our beloved matriarch, Bonnie J. Smith, was swiftly but peacefully called home on February 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Exodus 3:33 discusses God instructing the Israelites to go to the promise land. Bonnie was called at 3:33am, which in divine communication signifies the urgency to trust God’s guidance, even when our flesh is consumed with grief.

She began her earthly journey on September 21, 1937, in Sylvarena, Mississippi, born to Ada (Wilborn) Thompson and William Thompson. At just two years old, she moved to Joliet, Illinois, where she resided for the remainder of her life.

Bonnie possessed a quiet and gentle nature, always willing to help wherever there was a need.

She was deeply responsible and devoted to her family, often caring for her younger siblings and assisting her mother and aunts whenever possible. She carried herself with a soft beauty and a quiet glow that only genuine love could create.

Bonnie accepted Christ in her teenage years at St. Mark C.M.E. Church, and from that moment forward, she faithfully ran her race for the Lord. A devoted member for over 75 years, she rarely missed a Sunday—attending rain, snow, online, or even through illness. She lovingly served her church as a member of the Choir and the Stewardess Board for many years. She knew the Word of God and could quote Scripture at any moment. If anyone truly had God’s ear, it was Bonnie.

She deeply loved her family and friends. If she hadn’t heard from someone in a while, she made it her priority to reach out. She stayed well-informed about family matters, her friends, and current events, enjoying being aware of what was happening in the world around her. She loved thrift shopping, watching the news, sports, taking walks and getting her hair done on schedule!

Bonnie laughed freely—sometimes until tears fell—and as she often said, “I’ve been quiet all my life; it’s time for me to speak up.” And speaking up she did.

Though heaven rejoices, we remain longing for just one more moment—one more minute, one more hour, simply more time with her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron C. Smith; her parents; her sons, Roland and Lawrence Graham; her sisters Maxine Boykin and Helen (Elbert) Washington; her brothers, William, Louis, and Edison Thompson; and her beloved dog, Sugar.

Bonnie leaves to cherish her memory her children: Gregory (Lisa) Thompson, Roger (Felicia) Thompson, Avery Smith, Tammy Smith, Timothy Smith, Thomas (Grace) Smith, and Shamill Smith. She is also survived by her brothers Leonard (Francis) Thompson and Billy Boy (The Champ) Thompson. 

She was especially blessed by three grandchildren she helped raise: DeMar Smith, LaBryant Smith, and Alexis Smith. Jalen, Chase, and Karter Smith whom all lovingly assisted her constantly with daily needs around the house. She also leaves many additional grandchildren who adored her and would do anything she asked.

Bonnie was grateful for her two devoted daughters-in-law, Lisa and Grace, who lovingly cared for her and consistently looked after her well-being. She also leaves two favorite cherished nieces, Karla Weithers and Cassie Thigpen Foster; Lela Moffett, Hazel Endicott and Mildred Keene, her favorite cousins, along with a host of dear friends, cousins, church members, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews—all of whom will miss her dearly.

No amount of time will ever erase the love we hold forever in our hearts for you, my love.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie J. Smith, please visit our floral store.