ATHENS, LA: Bonnie Henry Bailey, 94, of Athens, LA, left her earthly life to be with the Lord on October 14, 2018, after a lengthy illness. Bonnie was born in Choudrant, LA, on August 15, 1924 to Ora Edwards Henry and Carlous Eugene Henry. She graduated from Choudrant High School in 1941 as valedictorian of her class. She earned her BS Degree in Home Economics and Science from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1944. She began her teaching career in Colfax, LA, and then in Athens, LA, where she met a young, good looking, war worn lad at the school cake walk. He had just returned from the Philippine Islands as a World War II soldier. That soldier, Jules Bailey, was smitten with her charm and grace, and they were married in 1947 in a garden wedding at his family home. Family and a faithful farmer's wife then became Bonnie's role. Five children came along who all survive her. They are Jules Gene Bailey and wife Deborah of Longview, TX, Bonnie Edwards and husband Mike of Athens, LA, Janis Gleason and husband Billy of Haughton, LA, Sherry Lantrip and husband, Ken of Ruston, LA, and Linda Rogers and husband Randy of Minden, LA; Bonnie is survived by eleven grandchildren, Chelsey Bailey Hall and husband John of Richardson, TX, Leonard Bailey of San Marcos, TX, Beth Bailey Tatsch and husband Dustin, of San Antonio, TX, Ryan Spigener and wife Debbie of Homer, LA, Becky Spigener Freeman and husband Courtney of Fayetteville, NC, Clint Gleason and wife Megan of Haughton, LA, Angie Gleason Smith and husband Robert of Bossier City, LA, Brad Lantrip and wife Samantha of Ruston, LA, Carrie Lantrip Scott and husband Bryan of Pineville, LA, Casey Harris Payne and husband Kevin of Shreveport, LA, and Clay Harris and wife Alayna of Shreveport, LA; Bonnie is also survived by nineteen great-grandchildren; one great, great-grand child; and along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Jules Bailey; her parents, Ora and Carlous Henry; her sister, Mary Jo Manuel of Nome, TX; young sister, Johnnie Rowe Henry; and one infant sister. Our mother and "Mamaw Bunny" will be fondly remembered for her sweet, kind and patient spirit and her devotion to our daddy and her family. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Bonnie began a full-time teaching career in Arcadia, in 1968, teaching home economics and chemistry. After retirement in 1984, she became our daddy's "right hand man" on the farm and loved every aspect of it-from helping repair fences, feeding cows and even birthing baby calves. Mother was a fabulous cook and excelled as a seamstress making countless garments, furnishing her home with her creations, and altering hundreds of garments for people throughout the area. She loved to garden and shared that passion with daddy growing an abundance of vegetables each year. Mom was daddy's true soulmate, his rock, and was always right by his side. So creative and intelligent, she could fix anything and master everything. She also was a devoted member of the Athens Presbyterian Church up until the time of her illness. A celebration of her life conducted by her pastor, Rev. John McClelland, was held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer, LA. Visitation preceded the service beginning at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial followed at Atkins Cemetery in Athens, LA. The family would like to thank Aime Hospice and each of their employees who provided such excellent care to our mom. We send special heartfelt thanks to Brittany Avery and Ruthie Starkey, as well as, Melba Benjamin of Amie Hospice and to Jessie Hay, her caretaker. Pallbearers were Ryan Spigener, Brad Lantrip, Clint Gleason, Clay Harris, Robert Smith, and Cole Spigener. Memorials can be made to Atkins Cemetery, 14772 Hwy 9, Athens, LA, 71003 or First Presbyterian Church of Athens, 15274 Hwy 9, Athens, LA 71003.  

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110

www.rose-neath.com