Bonnie Marie Wilkerson walked into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the age of 86. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, a doting grandmother and great- grandmother, a thoughtful friend, a dedicated teacher and a faithful follower of Jesus.

Bonnie Marie Earles was born on March 13, 1930 to Jesse and Iva Pearl Earles in Ponder, Texas. She graduated from Ponder School in 1946. While a student in Ponder, she became acquainted with Freddie Layne Wilkerson, and on July 30, 1949, they were married. Bonnie and Layne were blessed with two daughters, Phyllis in 1953 and Susan in 1955.

Bonnie graduated from North Texas in 1959 and began a teaching career that spanned 34 years! She taught 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade in Ponder for 9 years and 5th grade in Justin for 25 years. She retired from teaching in 1994 and spent her retirement traveling, antiquing, and spending as much time as possible with her grandkids and great- grandkids.

She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Justin for 46 years and in the recent past enjoyed being a part of the Trailblazers Senior Adult Choir. She taught Sunday School in Ponder and in Justin. She was also involved in the En A'vant Club and the Texas Retired Teachers Association. She was an avid collector of Bomber Fishing Lures.

Bonnie is survived by her devoted husband of almost 67 years, Layne Wilkerson of Justin, daughter, Phyllis Neely of Justin and daughter, Susan Snow and husband Jimmy of Georgetown. Additionally, she is survived by granddaughter, Corrie Searight and husband Ryan of Georgetown, granddaughter, Dana Perrin and husband Michael of Justin, and grandson, Josh Snow and wife Katie of College Station. Bonnie was especially proud of her six great-grandchildren: Clara, Reid and Chase Searight, Leyton and Landri Perrin and Julia Snow.

A celebration of Bonnie's life will be held on Thursday, June 16 at the First Baptist Church of Justin at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 15, from 6 to 8 at the First Baptist Church of Justin.

Memorials may be made to the Justin Volunteer Fire Department (310 North Sealy, Justin, Texas 76247) or the Senior Adult Ministry at First Baptist Church of Justin (402 8th Street, Justin, Texas 76247).