Bonnie Bailey

Bonnie Shaw Bailey was born on the fourth of July, 1940 in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Jack Gates Shaw and Virginia Oates Shaw. She attended High School at The Brooke Hill School. Bonnie graduated from Tulane University in 1962 with a bachelor’s in European history. At Tulane she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. In 1962 she attended The Katherine Gibbs School in New York where she fine-tuned her skills in grammar and writing.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s she taught numerous Neighborhood Bible Clubs, impacting hundreds of children in Birmingham. In 1983, Bonnie received a Master of Religious Education from Birmingham Theological Seminary. In the 1990’s Bonnie and Arden Franklin Mason put together a Bible Study at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Besides studying books by authors like C.S. Lewis and Martin Lloyd Jones, the most original course conceived by Bonnie was an overview of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Hundreds of students went through the study as it was taught for several years at Briarwood and other churches. The curriculum she developed in the 1990’s is still being taught in churches today.

In addition to her work as a Christian Educator, Bonnie was an accomplished Chef, Restaurateur, cooking teacher and author of two award-winning cookbooks. She began directing large cooking schools in 1974. In the 1980’s, she owned and ran The Highland Gourmet, Inc. in Birmingham, a restaurant and catering business. Bonnie’s famous Highland Gourmet Scones are still being enjoyed today. She has been a certified and active member of the International Association of cooking professionals a member of the American Institute of wine and food and is listed in WHO’S WHO OF AMERICAN WOMEN.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her Husband of 62 years, Dr. William C. Bailey (1939-2026). Bonnie and Bill were the parents of three sons, all born in New Orleans: W. Charles Bailey Jr. (Kris), Baltimore, Md., Rev. John Faison Oates Bailey (Laurel), Huntsville, Al, Evans Cecil Bailey, M.D, PhD, (Jennifer) Birmingham, Al.

Bonnie and her late husband, Bill, began their spiritual journey with the Lord in 1968 under the love and teaching of the late Rev. Frank M. Barker. For over fifty years, they shared a life of faith, truth, and real joy in their eternal walk with the Lord. Bill and Bonnie’s relationship with Christ compelled them to serve others and support numerous ministries engaged in sharing the Gospel.

Following the birth of her first grandchild, Jack, she became known as “Grand Bonnie” to her family and loved ones. She loved travelling to the Gulf Coast, New York and Europe with her children and grandchildren. Bonnie and Bill spent many summers in their beloved home in Mentone, Alabama. In her 60’s Bonnie pursued competition ballroom dancing, winning numerous awards. Later in life, Bonnie found much joy in Opera, Italian language study, participating in the Valley Off-Shoots Garden Club and caring for her beloved dogs; Gracie and Stella.

Survivors are the Bailey sons and their wives and children: 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. Special thanks to our dear friends, Reginald and Shirley Parks for caring for Bonnie over the years. Thanks also to Alabama Hospice Care.

Services will be held at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road in Homewood on Saturday, April 25 with visitation beginning at 10AM with the Celebration of Life Service following at 11AM.

A private graveside service will be held immediately following the Celebration of Life Service