Bonnie Williams

Bonnie Williams, beloved wife, Mom, Mamaw, sister, and friend, passed away on February 12, 2023, at age 87, in her home in Gadsden, Alabama.

Bonnie was born on October 13, 1935, in Gadsden, Alabama, the daughter of Gordon Brainard Sr. of Iowa and Evie Louise Ledbetter. Her parents parted shortly before she was born - Gordon taking with him her older brother and sister. She never met Gordon but had a good relationship with her older siblings. She, along with her nine younger brothers and sisters, was raised by her stepfather Hiram Lester Thacker. Bonnie had a big heart and loved all her family.

On February 12, 1951, Bonnie married the love of her life Wiley Williams. They spent almost every single day of their lives together until his passing. The family always joked, “When Daddy inhales, Momma exhales.” Her death date marked their 73rd anniversary.

Together, they raised five living children, and held in their hearts their other three stillborn sons. Bonnie was a devoted mother to her children, Darlene (Phillip) DeAguilera of Gadsden, Al., Ronald Williams (deceased), Johnny (Michelle) Williams of Attalla, AL., Sybil (Jeff) Ragsdale of Camp Hill, Al. and Timothy Williams of Gadsden, Al. Her large family also includes 30 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren (with two on the way), and one Great-Great-Grandchild.

Bonnie had many talents and interests: She loved to crochet, put together puzzles, and read - she would visit the library every week to get new books. She loved to fish - she would catch, clean and cook them, but she would never eat them. She was famous for her big breakfasts, homemade biscuits, coconut cake and award winning chili. She loved keeping a garden and canning her own food.

In the early days of their marriage, she and Wiley worked at a candy factory in Milwaukee, and later, they worked for many years as custodians for their church. Bonnie was an impeccable housekeeper, and always left a place a little cleaner than she found it. On a family beach trip, after a five hour car ride to a little ocean-side cottage, she immediately jumped out of the vehicle and began sweeping the front path and pulling weeds from the little kitchen garden. It was impossible for her to visit your house without doing a little yard work.

She met life’s difficult trials with meekness, grace, and what APPEARED to be a delicate demeanor - but those who knew her understood that Bonnie had an iron will which concealed immense inner strength and courage. She was the epitome of meekness. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints. Her strong and simple faith, an everlasting testimony in her Savior Jesus Christ, as well as her kindness, generosity, and sweet spirit endeared her to all who knew her. She loved her family dearly, which is why her totem animal was Smiling Deer – a perfect representation of her sweet spirit.

Bonnie Williams is greatly missed by all who knew and love her. Her legacy and love for creating and sewing beautiful things lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Rest in peace, Bonnie, Mamaw, Mom, and thank you for your love, kindness, and the beautiful memories you leave behind.

Graveside Services will be officiated by her grandson through Marriage Bishop Stephen Kimball and held in her honor at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Williams Family Cemetery 641 County Rd. 95, Albertville, Alabama 35951

Pallbearers will be Grandsons Scott and Dale Lowery, Thomas, Nicolas Enrique and Conner Williams, and grandsons by marriage Landon Shumway and Garrett Helms

Mom, Bonnie Mamaw- may our family find comfort in knowing that you are now on a mission with Papaw in a better place.

The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice for Taking such good care of Momma during her last months.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.morganfuneralchapel.com for the Williams family.