Bonnie Joy Daily Heatherly was born on October 23, 1951 to Virginia and Gresham Daily.
She was an only child who attended Cullman City Schools and graduated Cullman High School class of 1969. Bonnie completed her bachelor’s degree in home economics with the emphasis of early childhood development at the University of Alabama.
In 1972, Bonnie, along with a group of friends, established Share Club of Cullman, which continues to be an active, respected women’s service organization in our community.
Bonnie began teaching public school in 1973 and completed a master’s degree in education from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Bonnie married Michael Heatherly on March 12, 1977. Bonnie was 26 years old. Her grandmother skipped down the aisle with bells on her shoes as a sign of relief that Bonnie narrowly escaped becoming an “old maid”.
Bonnie and Mike were leaders in their community, church and schools. They have two sons, Brian (Heather, Ashlen, Brooks) and Benjamin (Loren, Magnolia, Emory Kate).
Bonnie retired the first time from Vinemont Elementary School in 2001. She began teaching adjunct classes at Athens State University in 2004. Bonnie then left retirement and returned to full-time teaching as an assistant professor at Athens State in 2008. As a teacher of future teachers, Bonnie continued to pour into learners and shape lives for the betterment of mankind until retiring for a second time in 2017.
Bonnie was talented in so many ways. She played the piano and sang beautifully. She was a fabulous writer, a mentor and friend to many. Perhaps her greatest gift was the ability to speak right to the heart of the person in front of her. Her love and interest in everyone she encountered left them feeling seen, heard and valued.
Bonnie was faithful to the people and things that she loved. Her faithfulness to God, to her family, to the church and to her many friends is to be admired and emulated.
Her smile would light the room and her laugh would fill the room.
She was spunky and witty. Where Bonnie was, fun was sure to follow.
Bonnie sought the positive and found good in everything. She gave of herself to any need she encountered. Like Jesus, she loved freely and gave grace abundantly. She spoke the truth steeped in love.
Bonnie was confident, competent, and capable; humility was her crown. She was not a complainer and never looked for a way out. Her life was an exhibition of selflessness.
The Lord had planted Eternity in her heart. She was not one bit intimidated about death. Bonnie was committed to filling all her days on the earth, but she knew earth and all we see in it is temporary.
Bonnie was welcomed home by our Lord and Savior on April 26, 2021. She is now wearing her crown, reunited with her husband, worshiping at the feet of Jesus.
Public visitation will be held at Vinemont Baptist Church Thursday, April 29 from 4 – 7 p.m. A family graveside service will be held at Vinemont Baptist Cemetery Friday, April 30 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to Share Club, c/o Shara Yerby, Treasurer: 22 County Road 1310, Vinemont, AL 35179 or to Vinemont Baptist Church: P.O. Box 835, Vinemont, AL 35179.
