Bonnie Gray

Bonnie Lea (Hansard) Gray

January 10, 1942 - August 6, 2025

Bonnie Lea (Hansard) Gray, 83, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. She was born on January 10, 1942, in Harvey, Arkansas. Her days were 83 years, 6 months, and 27 days.

So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Psalm 90:12

Family

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father Bratcher Oren Hansard, her mother, Vena Mae Stewart Hansard Kitchens; her sisters Velma Florene Owen and Bettye Jean Taylor; and her husband, Ishmael Thomas "Buddy" Gray.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen

She is survived by her four children: Michael Anthony Gray (Sheila) of Springdale, Arkansas, Jada Lea Gray of Sheridan, Arkansas, Dr. I. Torin Gray (Maegan) of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Lael Liana Lynch (Samuel) of Springdale, Arkansas. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many steadfast friends and relatives around the world.

Life and Legacy

Bonnie was baptized at First Baptist Church of Waldron on April 20, 1958. After graduating from Waldron High School, she attended nursing school at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She served her community as a Registered Nurse, first at St. Edward Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith and then at Mercy Hospital of Waldron. For more than 50 years she assisted the delivery of Scott County's babies and aided the dying in their final agonies. An industrious woman, she and Buddy built and operated a cattle operation. They were the first to establish the Simbrah breed, a hybrid of Simmental and Brahma, in Scott County.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; Ecclesiastes 9:10

Bonnie was known for her unwavering determination and strong convictions. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and stood firm in her principles throughout her life. Those who knew her could always count on her fierce loyalty and devotion. She approached every challenge with perseverance and maintained a tireless work ethic that inspired her family.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Services

To accommodate Bonnie's global family, visitation will be on Friday October 3rd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4th, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Interment will be at Duncan Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions

The family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses and staff of the GastroArkansas, CARTI Cancer Center, Arkansas Cardiology, Baptist Health, Briarwood Rehabilitation, and Hospice Home Care for their compassionate care and many acts of kindness. We are especially grateful for her dear friends who sacrificed so much to assist her and our family these past months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the Baptist Memorial Nursing Alumni Scholarship. https://bmhgiving.org/how-we-help/bhsu/bhsu-nursing-alumni-scholarship