Bonnie L. Galloway

Bonnie Lou Galloway, age 82, passed away peacefully under hospice care at Beau Ridge Memory Care in Ridgeland, Mississippi, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Having previously cared for her mother and two sisters, all of whom succumbed to the same illness, she was acutely aware of the likely course of her own health. Despite this, she faced her future with extraordinary courage and unwavering faith.

Born on October 9, 1941, in Wesson, Mississippi, Bonnie was the daughter of William Archie and Emma Gladys Stegall. Raised on a working farm in rural Copiah County alongside her six siblings, she learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and steadfast commitment to others. An accomplished student and athlete, Bonnie excelled in basketball and softball. After graduating from Copiah-Lincoln High School in 1959, she pursued a career in nursing at the Gilfoy School of Nursing in Jackson, Mississippi. During her training, she met and later married Vaughn Gorman Galloway from Vernon, Florida. Her professional career spanned 38 years, initially in the San Francisco, California area during Vaughn’s six-year Air Force enlistment, and later in Rankin County, where they established their permanent home. Bonnie received frequent commendations from administrators, peers, patients, and families for her dedication to professionalism and her compassionate, skilled care. Following retirement, she remained active through travel with her husband and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and school programs.

Bonnie was a devoted wife of 58 years and a steadfast mother to her two sons, Gregg and Byron. The loss of Gregg to an inoperable brain tumor at age 15 profoundly impacted Bonnie, who then channeled her strength and resilience into supporting and advocating for others facing similar losses.

A long-time, active member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, Mississippi, Bonnie contributed her talents in various capacities, notably as a soloist, bell ringer, and choir member within the church’s music ministry. She was deeply connected to her church community and approached others with genuine kindness and warmth.

Although not particularly interested in politics, Bonnie supported Vaughn’s aspiration to effect positive change through public service. From the late 1970s through the 1980s, Vaughn served as Alderman and later as Mayor of Pearl, Mississippi. Bonnie exemplified grace and dignity, providing passionate support for her husband’s vision and leadership.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Byron (Lissa) of Madison, Mississippi; her grandsons, Connor (Ashley) of Jupiter, Florida, and Reed (Callie) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her great-granddaughters, Emory Ann and Lilah Kate (Connor and Ashley); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vaughn Gorman Galloway; her firstborn son, Gregory Stephen Galloway; her parents; and four brothers and two sisters.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 11:00 am at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Mrs. Galloway will be laid to rest in Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl. Rev. Huey Dedmon will officiate.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi.