Bonnie Bryant

Bonnie Bryant passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 27, 2018.  She bravely endured Parkinson’s disease with courage and dignity for several years and never at anytime lost her elegant, dignified grace and refinement.  She always displayed a generous kind disposition and had the unique ability to help others feel good about themselves.

Bonnie was born in Fresno, California, daughter of Melvin L. Bain and Ellen Melba Palmer.  She lived briefly with her family in Shafter, CA until they settled in Bakersfield.  Bonnie attended Horace Mann Elementary, E Bakersfield Jr. High, Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield Jr. College with thoughts of going to law school.

Those plans never developed after a 2nd Lt Fighter Pilot came to Bakersfield to visit his brother who was employed by Bonnie’s father.  She and Ray Bryant had a quick and eternal 63 year romance which started with their marriage in the Mesa Temple on November 23, 1955.

Bonnie embraced her role as an Officers wife in the Air Force with vigor and enthusiasm.  Her first accompanied overseas assignment was to Japan where she served in the Presidency of the Officers Wives Club.  This is a social organization which helped counsel young officers wives related to protocol, adjustment to local culture and military service responsibilities.  For example, she taught English to local Japanese high school students.  Her social skills and decorum was fully on display throughout the many changes in Ray’s assignments.

Her artistic skills were fully developed during the three years they lived in Germany where she took art lessons from a most notable artist.  Other assignments followed at stateside bases prior to her last accompanied overseas move to Panama.  Bonnie made 27 different moves and made every home a joy and place of happiness and content.

Bonnie had many church callings.  While stationed in Virginia, she served in the Stake Relief Society Presidency.  There was always a need and time for church service at the overseas bases.  Most enjoyable were the excursions to the Swiss Temple.  Bonnie was a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ with enduring faith and optimism for a glorious future.  She will be remembered for her radiant friendly smile, fashion style, love of chocolate and red shoes.  She will be greatly missed by all.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, Melvin L. Bain and Ellen Melba Bain, her son John C Bryant and granddaughter Erin R Mackenzie.  She is survived by her husband Ray H Bryant, daughters, Linda Dixon (Kelly), Erin Furniss (Shane), son Paul J Bryant, brothers, Walter Bain and Daniel Bain.

The family so very much appreciates the loving and tender care Bonnie received at the Fairfield Village Memory Care Unit.  She looked to all the CNA’s with a special love and affection as if they were part of her family.  We will always remember you for the special place we hold dear for you in our hearts as you all serve so honorably in heaven’s waiting room.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  Friends may visit family Saturday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.  Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, next to her beloved son John C Bryant.