During the afternoon of Feb. 26, 2021, Bonnie Sue Byer Sizemore passed away unexpectedly at her home in Smithfield.

Bonnie grew up in Covington along Virginia’s scenic Allegheny Mountains. She graduated from Allegheny County High School in 1972 and married her high-school sweetheart, Samuel Gene Sizemore. Bonnie and Sam enjoyed a loving, faithful marriage of nearly 50 years during which she gracefully overcame the challenges of being a firefighter’s wife, lovingly raised four children in the safety of a secluded log cabin, sacrificially cared for her aging parents, and devotedly served in various roles at local churches. Her favorite ministries were singing with the Liberty Baptist Church choir and leading the preteen Sunday School class at Great Spring Church of the Nazarene. Bonnie was known for her love of eagles, inspired by Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV): “but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Prior to focusing on homemaking, Bonnie worked as a clerical professional for Prudential. When her children grew older, she returned to work part-time with Smithfield Jewelers and UPS. Later in life, Bonnie found great joy in caring for her faithful furry companion, “Charlie Brown Booger Bear,” whom she adopted from the Suffolk Humane Society.

Bonnie was 67 years of age and is survived by her husband and children and their spouses: Kevan and Kimberly Sizemore, Kristopher and Kristen Sizemore, Amy and Ches Weeks, and Andrea and Micah Hunt. “Nannie and Pop-Pop” are proud to be blessed with 10 grandchildren: Brayden, Camryn, Mikayla, Chessa, Fiona, George, Henry, Krista, Theo, and one more expected to arrive in August of this year. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Rodney Earl Byer and Lee Ella Ellinger Byer, and her brother, David Harmon Byer. Bonnie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dreama Byer, and her niece, Lewanda “Sissy” Spencer. Dreama and Bonnie shared a special relationship; Dreama was a nurturing, maternal influence throughout her life. Bonnie also enjoyed a relationship with “Sissy” closer than a friendship; they were sisters in spirit.

Bonnie’s family will celebrate her life at a private service in Covington. The family welcomes cards, letters or phone calls; instead of sending flowers, please consider donating in Bonnie’s memory to either of the following: Liberty Baptist Church Choir, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666; 757-826-2110; https://libertylive.church; or Suffolk Humane Society, 412 Kings Fork Road, Suffolk, VA 23434; 757-538-3030; https://www.suffolkhumanesociety.com. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.