Bonnie Peoples

Bonnie Jean Elmore Peoples, age 93, completed her earthly journey on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Winfield, Kansas, on March 29, 1930, to R.V. and Jewel Elmore. She was a graduate of Mansfield High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the Lady Tiger basketball team. After getting married to C.D. (Sonnie) Peoples, she attended and received a degree from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth. She was a faithful and dedicated pastor’s wife for many years. Bonnie was a member of Bluff Avenue Baptist Church where she taught a ladies Sunday School class. She was also a leader in Bible Study Fellowship for 12 years. She loved and served her Savior and her family well.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Byers Elmore, her husband, Rev. C. D. Peoples, to whom she was married for over 65 years, and her son, Michael. She is survived by her daughter, Gina Driscoll of Ft Smith, her son and wife Steve and Sandy Peoples of Ft Smith, her daughter-in-law, Karen Peoples of Greenwood, and her twin sister, Donnie Pendergraft of Ft Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brent Peoples (Jan), Stacey Grandstaff (T.Ray), Josh Driscoll (Amanda), Natalie Driscoll (Cristiano), Amy Howard (Austin), Katie Driscoll, Angela Sawyer (Wes), Jonathan Stout (Amber), Beth Mackivitch, (Scott), and Leslie James, 24 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren. She was lovingly known as Mama Jean to all of them. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as well as many cherished friends.

There will be a visitation and viewing on Friday, July 14, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at 11:00 at Ft. Smith First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue. There will be no graveside service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mercy Hospice staff and nurses, and the 3 wonderful angels who loved and cared for Bonnie so well in her home for over a year and a half, Amy Bland, Elaine Covey, and Sarah Haynes.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 3444 Old Greenwood Rd. Suite A, Ft Smith, AR. 72901.