Bonnie Sue Wisley

Bonnie Lou (Cokerham) Wisley, 92, ran into the arms of Jesus, Friday, September 18, 2026while surrounded by her loving family singing “In the Name of Jesus.” Born on Thursday, November 23, 1934, Bonnie lived a life centered on faith, family, kindness, and always serving others first. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and will be forever remembered for her teasing personality, joyful laughter, permanent smile, gentle spirit, and the unwavering faith and love she so generously shared. Her quiet grace was her strength—never seeking the spotlight yet illuminating every room she entered. She taught everyone that true beauty is found in humility, strength is found in gentleness, and true love is only found in knowing Jesus. We all celebrate her, a woman who touched every soul she encountered.

Bonnie was the rock of her family and will be greatly missed. Her faith was not only spoken but lived through gentle acts of service, words of encouragement, and a steadfast hope that never wavered, even in life’s most difficult seasons. She loved without measure, offering a safe place for hearts to rest and a listening ear for every joy and sorrow. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she nurtured each relationship with patience, warmth, and a love that asked for nothing in return.

Bonnie’s life all started at the Round Barn Farm on Thursday, November 23, 1934 in Linneus, Missouri. She was the second child born to Hubert and Wanda Cokerham who were a farming family. At the age of 5, she found herself in a car loaded with all the family’s belongings headed for Texas where her dad had a job driving the Trolley in Dallas, because their house had burned down. This was during the depression and life was already hard. But God had a plan and a purpose for this disaster. Like Joseph there was something Good going to happen.

Mrs. Graham met them upon arrival and told the family they could stay in the house behind her home. It wasn’t long before Mrs. Graham invited them to the neighborhood Good News Club. Here they found Jesus and began to attend Scofield Memorial Bible Church. It wasn’t long until the entire family accepted Jesus as their Savior and life changed.

Bonnie graduated from Sunset Highschool in Dallas, Texas in 1951 and began working for Southland Life shortly thereafter. She was an active member of the Crusades for Christ for many years. She attended Scofield and met William Bruce Wisley, Sr, and were married on December 23, 1953. Bonnie was very active with teaching Sunday School, PTA, Blue Birds, Campfire Girls and many other church activities. Bill and Bonnie were members of First Baptist Church, Garland, Texas for many years where they faithfully attended and served.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Wilson and Wanda Lura (Burris) Cokerham, her husband, William Bruce Wisley, Sr. (Bill), her son, William Bruce Wisley, Jr. (Bruce), her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia Joan (Cokerham) Oliver Eckiss and Jack Darrel Eckiss. She is survived by her beloved family members; Brothers: Robert Keith Cokerham and spouse Donna, and Monty Ray Cokerham and spouse Jennifer; daughters, Deborah Johnson, Karen Fite and husband, Tony Fite, and Vickie Johnson and spouse Vicky Flores; 16 grandchildren, Carmen (Fite) Franks and husband, Brett; BJ Johnson; Tiffany (Johnson) Patton and husband, Jason; Aaron Johnson; Timothy Johnson; Jennifer (Johnson) Crawford and husband Jakob: Jessica (Johnson) Runnels and husband Matt; Trey Wisley; Hannah Wisley; Tracy Fite and wife, Kelly; and 20 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of family and friends who we know will carry on her memory of unconditional love /forgiveness and putting Jesus First and Other’s Second. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is now at peace. Her legacy of compassion, strength and joy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of both Bill and Bonnie Wisley will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, located at 2925 5th Street, Sachse, Texas 75048 at 10:00 a.m. We extend an invitation to all who want to come to honor these two faithful testaments of God’s Good News. They are both HOME!