Bonnie Bilyeu

Aunt Bonnie Bilyeu, age 97, of Ozark, left her body behind Wednesday night, September 23, 2015 at Ozark Nursing and Care Center. She was born April 12, 1918 in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of John and Verna (Grimm) Gimlin. She had eight brothers and sisters, Amos, Arthur, Alton, Kermit, Geraldine, Stanley, John and Alta. She is survived only by her sister, Geraldine of Sheridan, Arkansas. Bonnie spent most of her life in Christian and Taney Counties, and was married to Chester Bilyeu on October 24, 1936. He preceded her in death on January 9, 1989. Although Bonnie and Chester had no children of their own, the nieces and nephews of their two large families became special blessings to them. There are dozens, and all know how loved they were by Aunt Bonnie. She took pride and joy in being a loving and faithful wife and sister. Aunt Bonnie was saved at an early age and loved music and singing. She and Chester ministered in song to several different churches. She was a charter member of the General Baptist Church at Walnut Shade, where she had resided for several years before moving to Ozark after the death of her husband. She also had special ties to New Haven General Baptist Church and Ozark General Baptist Church. Bonnie had a special friend that was a true comfort and joy to her to the end, Glennie Helton of Ozark. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, September 29, 2015, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Rev. Hosea Bilyeu and Rev. Victor Fisher officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until service time on Tuesday. Burial will follow in Spokane Cemetery.