BONNIE LOU JOHNSON (NEE SHEPHERD)

In Loving Memory of
Bonnie Lou Johnson
Sunrise: June 13, 1956
Sunset: December 25, 2025

Bonnie Lou Johnson (née.Shepherd) was the sixth of ten children born to Johnnie Pearl (née.Payne) and Roy Shepherd on June 13, 1956 in Elyria, Ohio. Born into a Godfearing home, Bonnie gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a faithful, longtime member of Second Baptist Church. Mrs. Johnson was secretary of Outreach Circle and worked with the Culinary Committee alongside her family and sisters and brothers in Christ.

Bonnie married young and raised her children with love and prayer. As a widow, Bonnie unexpectedly found a connection to Albert “Butchie” Johnson. Butchie quietly pursued and courted her for five years, then took her hand in marriage on August 18, 2018.

Bonnie was always a hard worker and loyal employee. She worked for General Motors’ Elyria plant until it closed. Despite her children’s pleading for her to retire after over thirty years of service, Bonnie still worked at Invacare until her recent illness made it impossible. Her coworkers were like family to her. Bonnie was a kind and generous woman who loved God, her family, and her friends with her whole heart. Her life was guided by faith, strengthened through prayer, and marked by compassion for everyone she met.

As a devoted wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandmother and loyal friend. Bonnie is lovingly remembered by her husband Butchie, children Serena (Carl), Demetia (James), Justin (Yarelin), Nathan (Alisha) and Taurus (Erica). She also leaves behind her cherished siblings Joanne (James, deceased), Betty (Mike), Ronnie (Angela), Bobbie (Marte), Craig (Lonna), Johnny (Vilma), and Mark (Penny). Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Minerva and Glenda. For over fifty years, Regina Shelton was her protective and closest sister friend. While too many to name, Bonnie loved, and was loved by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, many extended family members and dear friends. She always provided a listening ear without judgment and an abundance of encouragement whether you met her at work, church, high school or the grocery store.

Although Bonnie’s illness came on swiftly and aggressively, God’s power and presence always shined through in the gentle, kind care she received at UH Elyria, The Seidman Cancer Center, Avenue Rehab Center and Ames Hospice of the Western Reserve. Bonnie’s life was a beautiful reflection of love — patience, forgiveness, and generosity. Though she will be deeply missed, her faith, love, and gentle spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026, at 5pm with a Celebration of Life to begin at 6pm located at Second Baptist Church 427 Chapman Ln Elyria, OH.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

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