Bonnie Jean (Busby) Dyess

Bonnie Jean Busby Dyess, age 86, departed this life Monday, May 13th, 2019. Born Sunday, August 14th, 1932 to Fred Busby and Eva Mae McRae Busby of the Mt. Zion community, Wayne County, MS, she grew up attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church and the Buckatunna Schools.

In October 1951, she married Bennie C. Dyess of the Denham community. They resided in Saraland, AL, for eleven years, returning to the Mt. Zion community in 1968. Beginning in 1978, Bennie and Bonnie lived for the remainder of their lives in Buckatunna. Bonnie was the mother of three sons.

For many years, she took pride in growing a massive vegetable garden, which was enjoyed by not only her immediate family, but also shared with a host of friends and neighbors. She was a great Southern cook, baking cakes and pies. An important part of the Philadelphus Presbyterian Church Quilters, she enjoyed quilting for many years.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Leroy Busby, Bennie (her husband of 62 years), and her eldest son Mike. She is survived by sons David Dyess (wife Barbara) of Buckatunna and Fred Dyess (wife Judy) of Vestavia Hills, AL, grandson Seth Dyess of Atlanta, GA, step-granddaughter Jennifer Ward, step-great-grandson David Fishbein, niece Loretta Bassham, and nephews Paul Busby and John Busby. Bonnie is also survived by dear friend and sister-in-law Opal Dyess Sanderson.

A person of strong faith in God, Bonnie saw the good in others and was always willing to help those in need. She loved her family dearly – including about 49 first cousins from the Busby and McRae relatives.

Visitation will be held Wednesday (May 15th) from 5-9 PM with funeral service Thursday morning at 11:00 at Freeman Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers: David Dyess, Seth Dyess, Andy Shaw, Andrew Deers, Greg Revette, and Fred Carr. The Rev. Harry Cherry presiding.