Bonnie Matthews Lyerly

Bonnie Matthews Lyerly, of Cary, NC, passed away on November 20, 2024, at the age of 77. Born in Wilson, NC, on May 6, 1947, she was a graduate of Ralph L. Fike Senior High School in 1965, and attended Atlantic Christian College, now Barton College.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert “Bob” Lyerly, Jr., Cary, NC; parents, Junius “J.G.” and Millie Pace Matthews, Wilson, NC; sister, Patricia Matthews McIntosh, Greensboro, NC; and brother, Douglas Matthews, Murrells Inlet, SC. Survivors include two children, Patrick Lyerly (Stacy), Apex, NC; Kristin Lyerly (Chuck) Dewey, Holly Springs, NC; three grandchildren, Elliott Dewey, Sophie Lyerly, and Evie Lyerly; and her oldest sister, Peggy Matthews Massengill, Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Bonnie was a deeply devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed reading books - especially Agatha Christie mysteries, watching classic PBS series and movies on TCM, playing board games, and listening to Barry Manilow music. Bonnie’s favorite activities were spending time with family and friends. She loved family trips, holiday celebrations, and attending grandchildren’s activities at school, church, and sporting events.

Bonnie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and grace. She was always there to listen, give a hug, or a helping hand. Bonnie was “the baby” of the family and fun-sized, as her children fondly called her. Small but mighty, she always had a positive attitude and a bright smile on her face that was contagious. Bonnie loved God and her strong faith was an example to many. She thanked God every day for helping her and her family during her life. Bonnie was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cary, NC.

Bonnie was the true embodiment of the Golden Rule; always thinking of others and their feelings first. She said, “Do not be sad because I am leaving, be happy because I came.” In honor of her, we will hold a memorial service on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Glenaire Retirement Community. Located at 6000 Glenview Garden Place, Cary, NC 27511 at 10 am in the Theater.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cary, NC or Glenaire Retirement Community- Micou Browne Endowment.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church- https://stpaulscary.org/

Glenaire Retirement Community https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/brightspirefoundation

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Lyerly family.