Bonnie Lea Williams, daughter of Rev. John Edwin “Eddie” Pearce and Effie Faye Holder Pearce, was born on June 21, 1934, in Wright County Mo., and passed away on June 17, 2024, in Lebanon, Mo., at the age of eighty-nine.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Luster Carl Williams, on March 6, 2014. She is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Jones of Lebanon, Mo., and Karla Giminez of Grand Rapids, Mich.; her son, Travis Williams of Independence, Mo.; her grandchildren, Johnna Jones, Jennifer Fox, Rachael Collins, Taylor Crownover, and Keaton Williams; her eight great-grandchildren; and her 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings, Nola Mae Parker, Gene Pearce, and Kenneth Pearce. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Jerrell Pearce, Clara Belle Parker, Lloyd Pearce, Ray Pearce, and James (Dene) Pearce; and two sons-in-law, John Jones, and Randy Giminez.
Born and raised in rural Competition, Mo., Bonnie worked hard on the Pearce family farm, tending the garden, preparing meals, and taking care of her siblings, to name a few of her duties. It was there that she met Luster Williams. The two were wed on October 19, 1950, and soon after, Luster enlisted in the Air Force. Over their twenty-two years of service, Bonnie, Luster, and the kids lived around the world. Upon retirement, they built a house on the family farm near Lebanon.
Everyone works on a farm, and Bonnie worked more than everyone. A 100-pound dynamo with a “whatever it takes” attitude. Bonnie tirelessly provided for her family and friends. She would rise before dawn to do chores, put in a full day as a supervisor at Lee, and come back home to even more chores, dinner, and family time. And, if that wasn’t enough, she went back to school to earn her GED.
After the kids moved away and started their own families, Luster and Bonnie moved to Independence, MO, and later to Blue Springs, Mo., where they enjoyed their retirement years making crafts and furniture, bowling, traveling, gardening, watching the Royals, but mostly, they loved being parents and grandparents. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and giving grandmother. So, the next time you see her, let her know she did a good job. It’s the best compliment you could give her.
It was Bonnie’s wish not to hold services. The family will have a private ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
