Norma (Bonnie) Okray Mcgill

Norma "Bonnie" Okray McGill, a beacon of love, loyalty, and grace, graced this world with her presence for 70 remarkable years. On February 3, 2025, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come. She was born on December 18, 1954, to the late Lettie B. Conway. Bonnie's life journey was a testament to passion, dedication, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and students.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful youth director through her church journey that led her to Post Oak Baptist Church. In her younger years she was a Tigerette at C.B. Dansby High School and a 1973 graduate of Kilgore High School. Later she went on to Kilgore College and got certifications in Activity Director and Early Childhood.

She was first united in marriage with Rayford Charles Okray, and from this union, they were blessed with two daughters, Falecia and Bridget. Later in life, she found love again and married Randle Mcgill who remained her devoted partner. Her hobbies included cooking, shopping, sitting in her room watching Lifetime, Hallmark and westerns, going to her children's and grandchildren's extra-curricular activities and getting chauffeured to and from. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories and traditions that would endure through the generations.

Ms. Bonnie was a pillar of early childhood during her years at Kilgore Heights, (Assistant P.E. Coach)  at Kilgore Nursing Home (Assistant Activity Director), at Sugar and Spice Daycare (Assistant Director), at Cherry Tree Day Care and Learning Academy (Assistant Director), and retired from Kids World Learning Center (Assistant Director). Ms. Bonnie's professional life was dedicated to education, where she molded the minds of countless students. Her commitment and unwavering dedication to her students, particularly those who would just be quiet and listen to her, earned her numerous accolades and the respect of her peers. However, for Ms. Bonnie, the true reward was witnessing the success and growth of her students, knowing that she had played a part in shaping their futures.

Bonnie's culinary skills were legendary, and her kitchen came alive, especially during the holiday seasons. Whether it was Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, Bonnie had a knack for cooking and baking. Her delicious feasts brought the family together, creating cherished moments of togetherness and celebration.

Bonnie's life, in its entirety, was a testament to the power of love, education, and resilience. Her impact on the lives of her students and the love she shared with her family and friends will forever be cherished. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by Mother, Lettie B. Conway, and brothers, Eddie Sanders “Grasshopper,” Billy Ray Reddic “Scamp,” Willie Otis Sanders, sister Dearlynn Conway "Dee", and son-in-law Waylon DaLawrence Hunt.

She leaves to cherish her memories; spouse Randle McGill. two daughters, Falecia Halton (Chun) and Bridget Hunt (Waylon), grandchildren Bria Hunt, Anna Halton, Whitney Hunt, Alecia Halton, and Chun Dee Halton. Three sisters, Linda Ware (Jason), Christy Belcher (James) all of Kilgore, TX, and Vicky Conway (Curtis) of Crowley, TX. One brother, John Conway of Kilgore, TX; and one sister-in-law, Linda Reddic of Kilgore, TX and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. As we remember Bonnie, we celebrate a life well-lived, a love well-shared, and a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Norma "Bonnie" Okray McGill, a loving mother, a Granna, a dedicated teacher, a loyal friend, and a gracious soul, will forever live in our hearts, a beacon of love and light that will guide us through the years to come.

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