of Little Rock, AR

July 3, 1936 - June 25, 2024

Bonnie Jean Kelley, 87, of Little Rock passed away June 25, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Janie ''Francis'' Stell Kelley and Charles ''Morgan'' Kelley; brothers, Joseph David ''J.D.'' (Joan) Kelley and Charles Morgan ''Jr.'' (Jean) Kelley; sister-in-law, Audrey N. Kelley; niece, Kathryn ''Michelle'' Kelley Borghi and nephews, Mark Jones, Danny Kelley and Darrell Kelley.

She is survived by her two sons, James Alfred ''Jimmy'' McDaniel, Jr. and Eric Anthony McDaniel (Chad Rodgers); granddaughter, Lauren Elaine McDaniel; great-granddaughter, Adalyn McDaniel; great-grandson, Lucas McDaniel; brother, Billy Kelley; sister, Martha Kelley (Dale) Lauhon; nephew, Michael (Judy) Kelley; nieces, Camille Kelley (Dusty) Gates and Deanna Kelley (Jeff) Foster; a host of loving family and her beloved dachshund, Hans.

Bonnie was born and raised in Hamburg, AR. In high school, she was consistently the top scorer on the girls basketball team. She also earned the nickname ''Sarge'' as an acknowledgment of her ability to organize and lead, which followed her throughout her life.

After graduation, Bonnie married her high school sweetheart, James McDaniel and moved to Little Rock. She began her career as a secretary with Interstate Wholesale. She later became a licensed beautician and opened ''Bonnie's Hair Fashions'' on 65th Street in Little Rock. Women from all over town would come to the salon for their weekly up-dos. During her marriage to Jim Morrow, ''Sarge'' put her business acumen to work at Morrow Insulation, helping to elevate the company to a leader in the local industry. She ended her career as the manager of Cambridge Place, where she was valued and loved by all her neighbor friends. Bonnie had boundless energy in her every endeavor.

In her late 70's, she moved to Hillcrest, next door to Eric and Chad, where she quickly became the Matriarch of their block. Cherished memories were made caring for her great-grandchildren and even teaching them to count with dominos and spell with magnetic letters. Bonnie's life was fulfilled with her love of family and joy of gathering with friends. She was always the life of the party.

Bonnie balanced a career, family, friends, church and civic work. Her faith was the foundation of her life of love and service. Always fashionably dressed, complete with perfect hair and makeup, she generously gave of her time, talents and resources. She never missed a ball game, recital, school meeting, church social or choir rehearsal. Always seeing the best in people, her minister described her as a ''true peacemaker''. Her energetic and fearless determination remained with her to the end. Our lives are richer because of Bonnie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00am Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Remembrances may be made through contributions to City Year Little Rock, https://bit.ly/cylrdonate.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com