Bonita “Bonnie” Kay Simmons

May 30, 1948 - October 18, 2017
Bonita “Bonnie” Kay Simmons

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Bonita “Bonnie” Lyon Simmons, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.

Bonnie was born May 30, 1948 in Elmira, NY at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She attended and graduated high school from Elmira Free Academy. Bonnie continued her education at Elmira College, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. She spent most of her adult life in Corning, NY, working as a laboratory technician at the local hospital. She was passionate about social activism, always standing up for what she believed. Bonnie was a leading advocate for employees in the medical community. She loved old movies and was an avid reader, with history being her favorite subject. There was no place on earth she would rather be than at the beach with her toes in the sand and a margarita in hand. She brought so much joy to her friends and family. Bonnie was loved for her wickedly fun, smart, witty, compassionate, and loving character. She had unconditional and immeasurable love for her family. The last few years of her life were spent living near the beach with her daughter, Josephine, who took loving care of her.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Josephine Philip, Leonard Philip (Michelle), and Christopher Philip (Susie); her sisters and brothers, Sonya Pierotti (Ivano), Rupert Lyon, Terry Lyon (Roxanne), Germaine Ackley (Skip), Mark Lyon (Lynn), Emil Lyon, Celeste Caroland (Dennis), and Yvonne Albee (Larry); her grandchildren, Brittany Philip, Dillon Philip, Nikolas Philip, Tony Philip, Jacob Philip, Alex Bartholomew, Ivy Philip, Ryley Philip, and her great-granddaughter, Payton Sprague, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.  Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Rupert and Izola (Brimmer) Lyon; brothers, Timothy Lyon and Jesse Lyon; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Lyon and Linda Lyon.

In lieu of flowers, Bonnie would want family and friends to raise a glass and make a toast that would put a smile on her face. Her life will be celebrated as she requested, with her children holding a party at the beach in her honor. Her family and friends plan to gather at her happy place, the beach, in May 2018 on what would be her 70th birthday.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403  910-791.9099.


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • October 20, 2017
    Addie Doran says:
    Just want to say how very sorry I am...keeping all of you in my prayers.

  • October 21, 2017
    Germaine Ackley lit a candle:
    Lit since October 21, 2017 at 10:25:22 PM

  • October 21, 2017
    Celeste lit a candle:
    Lit since October 21, 2017 at 10:36:36 PM

  • October 21, 2017
    Mark, Lynn & Family says:
    You will always be forever in our hearts.

  • October 23, 2017
    Dianne says:
    Going to miss you,glad I got to spend a few hours with you once a week for a few months,going to miss your stories and humorous smile,glad we could be a comfort to each other