Bonnie Kay Walker

SHELBY: Bonnie Kay Walker, a beacon of love and warmth, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025 at her home in Shelby, North Carolina, at the age of 76. Born on April 7, 1949, in Cleveland County, Bonnie lived a life that was as inspirational as it was fulfilling.

Bonnie was the embodiment of all that is good. She carried herself with grace and humility, living out her faith diligently. A god-fearing woman, she was an active member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where her presence was both cherished and respected by all who knew her. She loved her church family deeply. 

Bonnie worked at Ora Mill, taught classes at Cleveland Community College and Gardner-Webb College , was Finance Officer for Shelby City Schools, and then retired from Cleveland County Schools as Internal Auditor. She possessed a creative soul expressed through her passion for knitting, crocheting, quilting, Bible journaling, and card making. Bonnie would spend hours putting so much love and passion into each card she sent. She attended and conducted many workshops throughout North Carolina on card making. Her artistry warmed the hearts of many, especially during Christmas, her favorite time of the year. One of her favorite places was The Christmas Inn in Tennessee. To her family and friends, Bonnie’s creations were more than mere crafts; they were heartfelt gifts that spoke volumes about her giving spirit and immense talent. All of her creations were filled with love and beauty. She also enjoyed watching Christmas movies, going out to eat, traveling, playing her piano and playing games with family. 

Bonnie was gracious and selfless, placing the needs of others before her own with unwavering generosity. She was resilient and tough, traits that she embodied throughout her life’s journey. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2018, had a whipple surgery and overcame this obstacle for over seven years. Despite her constant battle to control her sugar and then losing her husband in 2023, Bonnie forged on as a loving mother and devoted Nana. She took comfort in listening to the songs written by her late husband, especially the one called “Bonnie’s Quilt”. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Theodore Roosevelt Williams and Margaret Pauline Russ Peeler, as well as her devoted husband of 57 years, Kenneth Walker, whose memories she held dear until her final days. Despite her medical conditions, Bonnie traveled to Washington DC in June of this year to honor him for his service in Vietnam. 

Bonnie leaves behind a legacy of love with her surviving family: her daughter Jackie Page and husband Tim, her son Bryan Walker, and her cherished grandchildren Jessie Peeler, Trey Peeler, and Michaela Walker. She adored her schnauzer, Maggie, who has been a comforting presence and devoted companion to her for many years. Her extended family includes her brother-from-another-mother, Tony Mauney; Devin and Bekah Page; Delano, Candace, Gracie and Sophia Page; and Emily, Matt, Madelyn and Elliana Hurdt. There are so many other dear friends and cousins that it would be impossible to list them all. So many were blessed to have walked alongside her in this life.

A celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Beaver Dam Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Tom Runyan, where family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Bonnie will be laid to rest at St. Paul United Methodist Church Cemetery, as loved ones gather to honor a truly remarkable woman.

Well-loved and deeply missed, Bonnie Kay Walker leaves behind a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to know her. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and unwavering faith. May her memory continue to inspire and uplift us all.

Services entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center. www.claybarnette.com