Bonnie Sue Rainey Isely

Bonnie Sue Rainey Isely was born January 9, 1933, to A.D. and Ruth Rainey. Bonnie attended school in Perry County, where her dad was an educator and mom worked as a telephone operator. When Bonnie was 16, she fell in love with an older gentleman from Morrilton -- a Marine. Bonnie and William Arthur Isely eloped in the summer of 1949 on an evening that began a 65-year adventure -- a marriage that ended only when Arthur passed away in 2015. On Sunday, September 14, the two were reunited when Bonnie departed from this life with her children by her side. Bonnie and Arthur settled in Morrilton, where they welcomed four children over a span of sixteen years. Bonnie was a realtor in Morrilton for decades. She managed several rental properties across the city under Old Piney Realty, a company she owned alongside her husband. The community will remember Bonnie for her generosity and sweet spirit. Her grandchildren remember waking up to the smell of bacon wafting from her kitchen; large family gatherings with magical Christmases; and singing sweet, funny little songs -- sometimes incorrectly. Her children remember a naturally maternal mother full of patience and grace and love -- someone who always put their wants far above her own. Bonnie was the type of woman whom everyone wanted to share space in the room with. She was easy to laugh with and hard to anger. She loved many people, but none so much as her family. No family ever entered or left a room without hugging and kissing Bonnie on both the way in and way out. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings, and a son, Steve Isely. She is survived by her children, Dr. Art Isely (Randy) of Danville, Suzanne Mathews of Rogers, and Andy Isely (Debbie) of Center Ridge; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Isely; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be John Mathews, Matt Isely, Cash Wilson, Ethan Perry, Jeff Gilkey, and Charlie Felkins. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Bruce Murphy, Dr. Vasili Lindel, and Ken Jones. A funeral service will be held at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton on Thursday, September 18, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Richard Allen officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Morrilton Christian Center. Burial will be at Lewisburg Cemetery.

Bonnie Sue Rainey Isely

January 9, 1933 - September 14, 2025