Bonnie Beryl Davis

Bonnie Beryl Davis, 93, of Springfield, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home. Bonnie was born on March 29, 1916 in Gila, Jasper County, IL, the daughter of Riley Nelson and Neoma May Myers Brooks. Bonnie grew up on a farm with her parents and five siblings near Hidalgo, IL. She was preceded in death by two brothers: Vernon and William ("Bill") and two sisters: Wilma and Winnie. She is survived by one sister, Margaret Crabtree of Lincoln, IL. After graduating from high school, Bonnie began her career working for a family in Charleston, IL. It was then that she met her future husband, Gilbert. Bonnie and Gilbert were married on August 19, 1938 in Keokuk, IA. After he graduated from Eastern Illinois University, he moved to Chicago for his medical school and began teaching at the University of Chicago. Gilbert then opened his own podiatry practice and Bonnie and her family moved to Chicago to join her husband. A few years later, Bonnie, Gilbert and their children moved from Chicago to Belvidere where she operated a beauty shop out of her home. In 1964, the couple moved to Aurora, Illinois where Gilbert taught Junior High School. When they retired, Bonnie and Gilbert moved to southeastern Florida for fifteen years. There Bonnie was a beloved and trusted employee to several affluent families on Jupiter Island. She and her husband were devoted members of the Beacon Baptist Church in Jupiter, FL. Bonnie was the mother of Stephen Glenn and Carma Lynn (Robbins). They moved back to Springfield to be close to their immediate family. Bonnie took great joy in her home and enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles and gardening. She and Gilbert were actively interested in politics and the Above all, she loved all of her family. Preceding Bonnie in death are her son, Stephen Davis; siblings, Vernon, William ("Bill"), Wilma and Winnie Abrams; and her parents. She is survived by her husband of more than 70 years, Dr. Gilbert Dean Davis of Springfield; her daughter, Carma Lynn Robbins of Springfield, IL. Together they have 10 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; her sister, Margaret Crabtree of Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews. Bonnie's bright smile, work ethic, healthy lifestyle, honesty, and love for family and friends will be missed by her dear husband and all who knew her. Memorial Services will be held at 5 pm on April 17, 2009 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 3601 Buckeye Drive, Springfield, IL. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Inurnment will take place at Wheeler Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the charity of your choice.