On Friday, July 14, 2023, Bonilyn (Bonnie) Maxine Thomas - Brown passed from this earthly realm to be with her Lord and the heavenly hosts. She died at the Washington Hospital located in Fremont California.

Bonilyn was born on December 12, 1955, to Gennett V. Gardner and Joseph Thomas on the island of Antigua W.I. and grew up in the village of Parham town. she Migrated to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands at an early age, and attended Junior and Senior high school and later the College of the Virgin Island. She maintained close ties to her homeland and returned often to spend summer and other vacations visiting families and friends. Bonnie returned in 2019 for the Gardner Family Reunion and most recently 2018 in July of 2022.

Bonnie worked in St Thomas for several years at West Indies Transport as an Office manager and there she met her future husband Derek Brown and they wed on April 24, 1991. They moved to California in 1995 blended their families Shanoul (Shay), Stacy, Derek Jr., Jason along with the support of the extended Brown family.

Bonnie has a passion for helping people which allowed her to hold various jobs in the teaching profession. She later became an admitting Administrator at DeVry University College, which she enjoyed very much.

In 2013 Bonnie was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and battled the disease for over 10 years but her enthusiasm for life never waned. She was optimistic and filled her life with happiness and love.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Gennett V. Gardner- Chandler and father Joseph Thomas, Stepfather Mr. Sylvion Chandler. She is survived by her husband Derek Brown, son Child Shanoul Antonio, stepchildren, Stacy, Derek Jr., Jason: grandchildren Sophia (Sofie), Jules, Cesar (Yum Yum) and Josiah (Jojo). sisters Heather Thomas, Grier Thomas, Sonia Keene, Claudette Thomas -Hodge and Patrice Thomas - Laquerre, brothers Conway Thomas, MacNorton Thomas and Kioni Thomas; Her only surviving aunt Thelma Simon; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, Special friends. Sister in-laws Carol Brown, Lai Martinez, Lolieta Thomas, Dawn Brown, Leann., brother in laws Donald Jr. and Paul.

She was always concerned about the welfare of others and would go beyond remembering their birthdays when they came around. It was not unusual for Bonilyn to call a family member and say, did you receive that gift package or a card.

Bonnie loved to plan and take trips, and although her illness over the past several years limited the range of how far she traveled, she never missed taking a trip to wherever her sister (Heather) planned.

The trips allowed her the opportunity to indulge in things she loved – the beach, Carnivals in Antigua and St. Thomas, music, food, visiting families. She loves taking care of her family, cooking and planning family outings in her backyard spending quality time with her grandchildren.

She loved reading her bible every day and night, thanks God for his mercy and blessing. Quoting her scripture was impressive.

You can honor her memory by embodying a principle she embraced… “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. [Ephesian 4:32]