Bonnie Mae (Chase) Witcher

Bonnie (Bunny) Mae Surles was born on August 1, 1942 in Hayneville, Alabama to parents Cella and Edward "Tamp" Surles. She was the 6th child of what would eventually be 12 blessings born to this union. Bonnie was considered to be a very intelligent child who loved school and could often be found reading whenever she could. She could also be found resting under a tree when it was time to pick cotton since unlike school, farming was her very least favorite thing to do. Because she preferred anything other than farming, Bonnie was very thankful that after graduating from Lowndes County Training School (high school) in 1960, she was sent to Chicago to help her older sister take care of her baby. It was there in Chicago where she met and married Eddie Chase, Jr. on November 3, 1962. Together they raised their family of three girls and one boy on the South Side of Chicago. Although Bonnie and Eddie would divorce some years later, she described their lives together as ideal and referred to him as her 'soulmate'. Bonnie had a long career as a postal clerk at the United States Post Office. In her 33 years there, she made many lifelong friends that became like her family. Having accepted Christ very early in life, Bonnie found her church home at First Assembly Church in Joliet, IL and she grew very close to her church family. All who knew Bonnie knew how much she loved the Lord because her conversations and actions always reflected Godly attributes such as kindness, patience, understanding and grace. On the morning of May 2, 2023, the angels quietly entered into the peaceful setting of her home, lifted her spirit from her sleep and returned it back to it's Creator. God also saw fit to place Bonnie's earthly angels, her dear and devoted children and grandchildren, near her bedside. While we miss her so much, we are comforted by the fact that she has reunited with her parents, three sisters, and two brothers. Bonnie leaves to cherish her memory her four children Pamela Chase, Tina Hawkins (Raynard), Kimberly Chase, Eddie Chase III, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her husband, Johnny Witcher who loved her indeed, until her very last day. She also leaves to treasure her memory five sisters, one brother, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who love her dearly, miss her much and look forward to seeing her again someday.

Bonnie Mae (Chase) Witcher

August 1, 1942 - May 2, 2023