Bonnie Jean Hill

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mrs. Bonnie Jean Thomas Hill was born October 20, 1934 in Shongaloo, LA to the late Otto Lovette Thomas and Esther Idella Hudson Thomas. She was one of 9 children, the first girl - lovingly known as "Baby Sister".

She grew up in Springhill, LA and graduated from Brown High School, Class of 1952. At an early age, Bonnie accepted Christ at Salem Baptist Church in Shongaloo and was an active member until she graduated from college.

Bonnie attended Grambling State University as an English major and earned her Bachelors of Education degree in 1956. Upon graduation, she taught high school English at Woodson High School in Haynesville, LA from 1956-1959. She also taught French and coached the girl's basketball team at Woodson. She subbed for a year in Webster Parrish (LA) before accepting a teaching position at Westside High School in Waldo, AR from 1961-62. Always longing to advance her education, Bonnie also furthered her studies at Lincoln University, majoring in communications and at Henderson State University where she studied nursing.

Bonnie moved to Arkadelphia in 1962 and joined the faculty at Peake High School as an English and Speech teacher. While she was at Peake she was fully involved with student life through extra-curricular activities and was a favorite of many students. She had a passion for the academic achievement of her students.

On June 7, 1969, Bonnie married Robert Louis Hill. They were the proud parents of Darryl Gawain Pickens, Regina Yvette (Pickens) Jones (from a previous marriage) and Almeta Lynn (Hill) Radford from their union. Robert and Bonnie were married nearly 45 years, until his passing in April of 2014.

Bonnie was a member of Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and was a very active part of the church family. She served as a deaconess, famously worked with the youth department during the grand Easter and Christmas celebrations each year. For many years she led the church's Baptist Training Union (BTU) and was actively involved in the Sunday School. She served at Greater Pleasant Hill until she was admitted to Courtyard Gardens Rehabilitation Center in 2009.

Although Bonnie was most remembered for her years as an English teacher, she also spent time working as a nurse at Clark County Memorial Hospital and was a teacher at the Human Development Center in Arkadelphia.

During her time in Arkadelphia, Bonnie was very active with Church Women United and she was a member of the Peake High School Alumni and the Retired Teacher's Associations. She was also an Eastern Star (Verbena Chapter 92) before the merger with Universal 192 in 1998. Bonnie also volunteered at the Community and Family Enrichment Center.

Bonnie leaves to cherish her precious memory: three children, Darryl Pickens (Arkadelphia), Regina Jones (Arlington, TX) and Almeta Radford (Rev. Jesse) of Haymarket, VA. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Darryl Jr. and Brandy Pickens; Summer, Tiffany and Matthias Jones; and Jordan and Sydney Radford; along with eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four of her brothers: Jonathan, Lovette "Tee", George "GC", and Alexander "Alex" Thomas and one great grandson Tyease Millen. She also leaves two brothers, Orlander Thomas and Roy Chester Thomas (Bertha) of Springhill, LA. Two sisters, Alma Tene Thomas of Bossier City, LA and Tommie Ree Cavalier of Cedar Hill, TX. Additionally, she leaves two dear sisters-in-law, Irissie (Cullen, LA) and Royzer (Chicago, IL).

Bonnie also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to cherish her memory.

Funeral service will be Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 11a.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. is Pastor and officiant. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, May 15, 2015 from 12 to 7p.m. with family hour from 6 to 7p.m. at the funeral home.

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