Tributes

Bonnie Lourene Dunlap Stayer, 82, of The Colony, TX, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023. She was born September 23, 1940, in Carlisle, PA to Harold Horace and Almeda Gladys (Minnich) Dunlap. Bonnie grew up in Mount Holly Springs, PA. She graduated in 1958 from Carlisle High School. She then attended Gettysburg College and became a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She graduated in May 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. Bonnie was passionate about being a student in graduate school. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in the College of Education with a major in Reading in 1982 and a Master of Arts Degree in the College of Education and Human Ecology with a major in Counseling and Guidance in 1991, both from Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX. She also held Director of Religious Education (1974) and Mid-management Administration in Education (1997) Certifications. Bonnie married Jon David Stayer on June 23, 1962, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Holly Springs, PA. In 1965, they moved to Texas where they lived in the DFW area. They adopted their daughter Heather in 1969. They returned to Pennsylvania to raise Heather and be closer to their family. After Jon’s Multiple Sclerosis was diagnosed and progressed, they moved back to Texas in 1977 for advanced treatment and lived in Texas for the remainder of their long lives. They were married 56 years at the time of Jon’s passing in February 2019. Bonnie gracefully cared for Jon through his 43-year fight with Multiple Sclerosis. Bonnie retired in 2009 after 40 years in public schools. She taught in Carlisle and Reading while living in Pennsylvania. While living in Texas, she predominantly worked for Irving Independent School District. She taught Reading, English and Texas History at Travis Jr. High, Irving High, MacArthur High, and MEGA High. She also served as the lead counselor at Union Bower Center for Learning. Bonnie participated in creating a high school reading program and later an educational program for at risk high school students using alternative methods to help them meet success and graduate. She also helped design a program for at risk middle school students who were at risk of failing and not matriculating to high school. She adamantly believed in public school and free education for all. Throughout Bonnie’s life she had an unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a devoted Lutheran whom loved the church and the study of its doctrine and theology. She had a passion for music, particularly classical music. She loved to sing. She studied voice in college and was a member of the Gettysburg College Chapel Choir. She also sang in church choirs. Bonnie and Jon were members of the Dallas Opera Society, and nothing delighted her more than a Sunday afternoon performance, unless she was attending a performance by her beautifully gifted granddaughter. Bonnie’s grandson, with whom she shared a birthday, recently completed a master’s degree for which she was incredibly proud. Bonnie read the New York Times every day and watched MSNBC most nights. She habitually read books for learning and for pleasure. She continued teaching in retirement, most recently through a book club with her friends in her retirement community. She enjoyed discussing politics, as she was well-informed of the political landscape. She was an attentive listener and provided thoughtful feedback. It was important to Bonnie to dress elegantly for every occasion, including jewelry and fabulous shoes. She enjoyed throwing parties and decorated for every holiday. Her style, charm, advice, and warmth are greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter Heather Lourene (Stayer) and son-in-law James Scott Bynum; grandchildren, Zachary Scott and Grace Lourene Bynum; cousins; sister and brothers in-law; nieces and nephews. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and husband Jon. A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, February 25 at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, 6801 Coit Road, Plano, TX, with the Rev. Paul Mussachio officiating. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Bradley Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

Tributes

Bonnie Lourene Stayer

September 23, 1940 - January 9, 2023