Bonnie Jo Malone

Bonnie Lacy Malone, 83, born May 25, 1943, in Florence, Alabama, passed from this life on September 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend.

Bonnie spent her childhood primarily in Alabama, and graduated from high school in Nashville, Tennessee in 1961. After marrying her husband, she lives in North Carolina, Maryland, Alabama and finally made her home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, where she lived for many years, and spent the last 18 years of her life in Kodak, Tennessee.

Bonnie met her husband, Jessie Burle Malone, while working for Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Nashville. After their marriage in 1964, she devoted the rest of her life to being a homemaker and caring for her family. Jessie preceded her in death.

Bonnie was a woman who loved people and never met a stranger—and she loved to talk! She was funny and was always ready to laugh, cut up, and giggle. She had a natural way of mothering and caring for others and was always looking for ways to take care of the people around her. Caring for others wasn’t simply something she did; it was who she was.

She was a Christian and was saved and baptized in the 1980s. She was previously a member of Flat Gap Baptist Church and, in recent years, was a member of Northview Church in Kodak.

Bonnie was naturally curious and loved learning about the past. She had a deep love for genealogy and spent countless hours researching her family history. She also loved working with the Jefferson County Historical Society, where her interest in history and preserving the past gave her another way to pursue something she truly enjoyed.

Bonnie had many interests that brought her joy. She loved music, especially oldies. She enjoyed crocheting and cross-stitching and had a lifelong love of wildflowers and plants. She enjoyed collecting glassware, Barbies and many other interesting things throughout the years. She loved good country cooking and she had a special fondness for coconut cake. She also enjoyed sitting on the porch and simply enjoying the moment.

And if there was one thing Bonnie was always ready to cheer for, it was University of Alabama football. She loved saying “Roll Tide!”—much to the dismay of her University of Tennessee-loving daughter and son-in-law. Her playful Alabama loyalty was just one more part of the personality her family will lovingly remember.

Above all, Bonnie loved her family. Her grandchildren, Braxton and Caroline, were the absolute joy of her life.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Kristi Malone Rains; her son-in-law, Rev. Greg Rains; her grandchildren, Braxton and Caroline Rains; her brother, Stephen Lacy (Leslie) of Michigan; her sister, Marie Lacy (Steve Schichman) of Arkansas; her brother-in-law, Tommy Malone of New Market; her step-siblings Bobby Baird, Betty Mickel, Bonnie Parker, and Barbara Urschel; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jessie Burle Malone; her daughter, Mona Adair Malone Dalton; her parents, Lois Pruitt Lacy Baird and Roland Adair Lacy; her birth father, Glen Llewellyn; her stepfather, Bob Baird; and many other family members, friends, and loved ones who went before her.

Bonnie leaves behind a lifetime of memories—her laughter, her stories, her love of family, her “Roll Tide!” spirit, and the countless ways she cared for the people around her. Those who knew and loved her will remember not only the things she did, but the warmth, humor, curiosity, and love she brought into their lives.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Caris Healthcare of Sevierville for the excellent care, kindness, and compassion they showed Bonnie and her family during this time. Their support and loving care will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Hands for the House building fund at Northview Church, 340 West Dumplin Valley Rd, Kodak, TN 37764