Bonnie Bullard

Bonnie Jo Nelson Bullard, born on February 13, 1938, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026 and entered Heaven at the age of 88. Bonnie was born in Peoria, Illinois to Robert and Madelon Nelson. Their family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when she was fourteen years old. She later met Henry Hall Cook while he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base, and they married and moved to Fairburn, Georgia, where she lived for the rest of her life. Bonnie worked as a school secretary at Palmetto High School for several years. She began pursuing her dream of being a flight attendant and traveled the world working for Eastern Airlines. Following the closure of Eastern, she attended school at The Art Institute of Atlanta for an interior design degree. She worked as a decorator at Ethan Allen, Centex Homes, and in customer service with Snapper for a number of years. She continued to use her interior design skills at her final job with The Griffin Regional Educational Service Agency happily creating flower arrangements, gift bags, and decorating tables for their professional development sessions. Bonnie was an active member of Fairburn United Methodist Church. She was very creative and a gifted artist. She enjoyed painting, decorating, and was an active member of Fairburn’s art community and the South Metro Arts Alliance. Her involvement included art shows, set work for Fairburn’s Southside Theatre Guild, and various projects utilizing her artistic skills. Her paintings were featured in local art shows and are now treasured by her family members. Bonnie was the ultimate "no rules" grandmother and created many priceless memories with her three grandchildren, Madelon, Georgia, and Robert. She had hoped to be called “Grandma Bonnie,” but her twin granddaughters chose "BaBa,” and that’s how she was known in the family from that point forward. Baba adored her grandchildren and traveled to attend their sports events, plays, and school functions. She often spent her days off visiting her grandchildren or having them over for spend the night parties in Fairburn. She loved them unconditionally and encouraged them in all their endeavors. Her love for her grandchildren has left them with countless Baba memories to cherish. Bonnie was an animal lover and had more cats than anyone could count. She fed the ducks at Holly Hills for years and adopted a beloved dog, Gigi. Any animal in Bonnie’s care became a member of the family, and the various wildlife that wandered through her yard benefited from her kindness. Her compassion for all creatures was remarkable, and her example instilled that same love for animals in her sons and grandchildren. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Burton Nelson and Madelon Bosworth Nelson, her son, Robert Milam Cook, and her sister Anita Nelson Barney. She is survived by her sister, Roberta Nelson Burleson; her sons, Nelson Cook and his wife Melinda, Burton Cook and his wife Crissi, and Kim Pearce. Her grandchildren are Madelon Cook, Georgia Ray and her husband Jeff, Robert Nelson Cook, Mary Sirmans and her husband Levi, Drew Roberson, and Grant Roberson. She was blessed with great grandchildren Rowan Reaves, Brooklyn Ray, Julia Madelon Ray, Beau Ray, Shepherd Ray, and Elliott Sirmans. Many nieces and nephews also remember her fondly. Bonnie was a generous, kind, and creative lady. Her love for her family and involvement in our lives leaves us with many wonderful memories. She will be missed. If you would like to make a donation in Bonnie’s memory, please consider giving to The Sunshine Foundation at Rob’s Place which was founded in honor of her beloved grandson, Robert Nelson Cook.

Bonnie Bullard

February 13, 1938 - July 27, 2026