Bonnie Baker Jones' Obituary
Bonnie Baker Jones, 75, of Naples, FL was taken from Earth too soon on September 1, 2023. A devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Bonnie was known for bringing love, beauty, and community together as the matriarch of her family and for making everyone in her presence feel at home. Though she had countless accomplishments throughout her life, she was proudest of her roles as ‘Mama’ and ‘Grammy’.
Bonnie was born on August 28th, 1948 in Illinois to John and Donna Baker. Bonnie graduated high school from Elgin Academy in Illinois and received her bachelor’s degree in Art History from Rollins College in Florida. She was a lifelong student and furthered her education at Parson’s School of Design, Harvard University for Japanese Art History, the Fashion Institute of Technology for Textile Design, Suffolk Community College for Interior Design, and Lynn University for Restoration & Preservation. Her expansive career covered a vast array of disciplines which included designing costumes at the New York Shakespeare Festival, acting with the Naples Players and Circle Repertory Theater, designing textiles at Yves Gonnet and the American Silk Mill, and interior designing through the company she started in 1985, BB Jones Designs.
Bonnie had a one-of-a-kind eye for beauty and found many outlets to express it through her artwork, jewelry design, and iconic style. She was the best person to go to a museum with, pointing out all the subtle intricacies in the artwork and was a great lover of unique books. Bonnie had a deep passion for history and genealogy and was very involved in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of 1812, and the New England Genealogy Society. She traveled extensively, and nobody gushed over an ornate door or a beautiful landscape of trees and mountains like Bonnie.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Tim Sr., children Cameron (Adam) McCaughan and Timmy (Bridget) Jones Jr., grandchildren Velouria, Aliana, Theodore and baby girl to be. She is also survived by her sister Diane Chisholm as well as her many nieces and nephews. Bonnie is predeceased by her sister Lynne, brother John, brother-in-laws Paul, Bill, and Richard, and sister-in-law Maritza.
A memorial will be held at Trinity-by-the-Cove in Naples, FL at 1PM on Saturday, September 9th, 2023. The service will be streamed through the church’s website: www.trinitybythecove.com. Bonnie loved color, and before her passing, she requested that people wear navy or grey to her service. For those unable to attend, her loved ones ask that you honor her vivacious spirit by enjoying a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest teacup, by putting on a beautiful scarf or a piece of jewelry that touches your heart, by watching the Sound of Music, or by telling the people closest to you how much they mean to you.
What’s your fondest memory of Bonnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bonnie?
Share a story where Bonnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bonnie you’ll never forget.
How did Bonnie make you smile?