Bonnie Sue Cookson daughter of the late Melvin Borders and Bernice Poole Borders, was born in Malden, Missouri on January 8, 1936. She went home to be with Jesus, January 16, 2024, at the age of 88.

Bonnie grew up in Malden attending an Assembly of God. She enjoyed working at the drug store and being with friends, Merlene Haynes, and Barbara Borders.

She met the love of her life, a young man named James Cookson from Puxico, Missouri. Their first date was his high school graduation. They were later engaged after a surprise visit to church camp. James and Bonnie were married June 27, 1959, at Malden Assembly of God. (Bonnie felt called to be a pastor’s wife just one year before she met James)

Near the banks of the Mississippi river in Ashport Tennessee, James and Bonnie took their first pastorate. A couple of years later, their first child Jim, was born. Eight years later, their daughter Jami, was born in Clinton, Missouri. This was their second pastorate. Bonnie enjoyed teaching Sunday School, playing the piano, singing, and serving lunch at the daycare.

James and Bonnie started their third pastorate while in Springfield,Missouri at National Avenue Assembly of God. Bonnie retired from the Gospel Publishing House after twenty years of work. She served as a faithful pastor’s wife and musician during their sixty-four years of marriage.

Bonnie loved traveling and went to all 50 states and made 5 trips to Israel as well as other countries. She also enjoyed spoiling her grandson (Austin). She was a devoted servant of the lord and loved by all who knew her. Bonnie proved to be an example of Proverbs 31.

She is survived by her husband James Cookson, her son Jim Cookson of Plainfield, New Jersey, her daughter Jami and husband Rob Gillum of Cape Fair, Missouri, her grandson Austin, his wife Jennifer and their son Benjamin Adams of Springfield, Missouri. Also, sisters, sister-in-laws, brothers, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews of whom are loved.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her: parents (Melvin and Bernice Borders), sister (Avanelle Coday), brother (Kenny Borders), six brothers-in-law (Melvin Coday, Doug Elliott, Thomas Hargrove, Kerm Cookson, Frosty Martin, and Leon Cookson), and sister-in-law (Deeann Borders).

Services for Bonnie will be at 3:00 pm Friday, January 26, 2024 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:00 Friday prior to the service.

Intermment will be at 3:00 pm Monday, January 29, 2024 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Flowers may be sent or in lieu of flowers you may donate to National Avenue Assembly of God.