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.
Sign Guestbook
21 Condolence(s)
Julie Clayton
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman !!!
Loved her zest for life & her energy!!
Prayers for all !!
Lisa Havniear
Thursday, July 11, 2024
I didn't have the opportunity to really get to know your mom but she instantly made you feel like you had been lifelong friends. Her humor and smile brightened the day. I adored her and will miss talking with her at HarvestFest this year.
Love you guys!
Lou Ann Elmore
Thursday, July 4, 2024
There are no words to describe this beautiful soul. I have known and loved this woman since I was a young girl. She did my mom’s and my hair for years. When my mom passed, sweet Bonnie was there to make her hair beautiful. She has continued to cut my hair until the last couple of years. She was my Razorback sports buddy. If we didn’t watch together we would text all through the game. I am going to miss this lady so much!! Jimmy, Eric, Chad, Lauren and all of her family…my thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m sure she is dancing and catching up with those who went before her!!! Heaven is a livelier place with her there!! She will be sorely missed!!!!
Pam Roberts
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Love and prayers to her family and friends! I love her since my Mom got her hair done when I was just a very young girl. My Mom babysit with Eric and Jimmy when they were young and I was old enough to watch them! I was a receptionist, and a shampoo girl at the age of 12 in her salon for many years.then I became a stylis and worked for her. Me and my husband went to church with her for many years!! She was loved by all!! I know she will be terribly missed!! She was a big part of my life for Many years!
Frances Ann Love
Monday, July 1, 2024
Jimmy & family
I am so sorry to hear of Miss Bonnie's passing she was such a wonderful person. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
Loretta Alexander
Sunday, June 30, 2024
I extend my deepest condolences to you Eric and Chad.
Kevin & Paula Hartman
Sunday, June 30, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss! We lived in Hillcrest just down the street on Monroe until last fall. Many times we would see Bonnie while walking and she was such a dear soul...she was so friendly and kind. One time she even made us wait while she went in and got us some of her just baked cookies before we continued our walk home. She will be greatly missed...she touched so many lives with her kindness. Kevin & Paula Hartman
Jeffery Williams
Sunday, June 30, 2024
May the peace of Christ be with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lori Rodgers
Saturday, June 29, 2024
No sufficient words to say how sad I am for this loss of my favorite Bon-Bon...for your losses this year. My heart goes out to you all. I am glad I knew her and have these memories.
Jayne Pyle
Saturday, June 29, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Eric and Chad (and family). From reading the obituary, she sounds like she was an awesome person.
Wendy Smith & Susan Schee
Saturday, June 29, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss Chad and Eric. Though we only met Bonnie a couple of times we could tell she was a good woman filled with fun and laughter. May you be filled with only great memories of your sweet momma.
Laura Sergeant
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Ed and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful mother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Eric, and your family.
Beth and Mike Coulson
Saturday, June 29, 2024
What a vibrant life your mom lived! She always lit up a room! She’ll be missed by so many
Bill Tucker
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I'm very sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. She was one of the all-time great ladies, beautiful, graceful, and most of all hilarious. I know she will be missed by all her friends and family. My condolences to Jimmy and Eric and the rest of her family.
Jerryanne Hill
Saturday, June 29, 2024
She was always a ‘LADY’! Dressed well, always
ready to help! I did not know her well, wish I had known more & better!
I know loss! Prayers for the family!
Sheri and Ben Gilbert
Saturday, June 29, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. Bonnie was always so kind.
Tisha Gribble
Saturday, June 29, 2024
So very sorry to hear this. Your mom was always kind and sweet. Thinking of you!
Alan Rackley
Saturday, June 29, 2024
I will always remember Miss Bonnie and her beautiful smile.
Magean Warnock
Friday, June 28, 2024
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady .
Jerry L Oates
Friday, June 28, 2024
Cheryl Avants and Bill Nowlin
Thursday, June 27, 2024
There was so much love in those beautiful eyes. Bonnie was devoted to her family, her friends and their friends, and will be deeply missed. Much love to all who are experiencing this loss.