From an unsigned article on the Mt Juliet church website
Bernice “Bonnie” Mable Cronk (1923-2011)
MOUNT JULIET, Tenn. (BNc) — “She was a very beautiful woman with a winning smile.” So someone said recently, summing up the first impression one would have upon meeting Bonnie Cronk.
Many of us grew to love her and her late husband, Jack Sr., in the winter of their lives. Even then she was a lovely lady inside and out. The deeper impression Bonnie would leave was her inner beauty.
This woman displayed loyalty, wisdom, and courage much like Queen Esther. Just as Queen Esther, who was a beautiful young woman, rose above her trials of being an orphan to sit on the throne as a queen, so Bonnie overcame as well. Bonnie was born in Kalkaska, Mich., into a family with an alcoholic father and a mother who played the piano on skid row. As a little girl Bonnie spent time there.
She and her brother were placed in a orphanage for a period of time during her childhood. Later, when her mother married another man, he adopted them. Life still was not perfect, but Bonnie was always thankful for being able to go back home.
As a young woman her beauty was like one would expect from a movie star. One day she had two young men to ask her out. When asked which one she would go out with, she replied “whichever one arrives first.” Jack was the first and lucky man! She said she liked him, but thought he was a little cocky and stuck on himself. But after about 68 years of marriage we can see it all worked out very well.
Although Bonnie had occasionally attended churches before meeting Jack, he introduced her to her Lord and his church. Jack and Bonnie were an Aquila and Priscilla type of couple! The church was richly blessed everywhere they lived. They worked as a team.
He served as an elder and she as the elder’s wife for over 30 years. Often when he would do personal Bible studies she would go with him to support the work. At times she taught children’s classes.
One of her places in life was to keep the home strong and cared for during the many years Jack was a salesman. Can you imagine how many hours she spent waiting, with a husband who was a salesman by trade and an elder in the Lord’s church? She is remembered as patient, athletic, frugal, loyal, and had a great sense of humor.
Jack and Bonnie spent the first portion of their marriage in Michigan, then 30 years in Florida, and later retired in Mt Juliet. We are thankful they spent some years here in MJ. They blessed this family of God’s people just as they had in Michigan and Florida.
Bonnie’s work continues to follow her even in this congregation. One of her two children was Jack Cronk, Jr. She was always so proud when Jack Jr., a deacon here at MJ, taught class or led prayer. Her daughter-in-law Nanette, is a faithful part of our family.
The last few years have been difficult for Bonnie, but her family has lovingly cared for her.
We will miss her dearly, but are comforted by knowing that a daughter of the King has crossed over toward a great reward and reunion! To God be the glory and from him we seek our comfort!
Mrs. Cronk died Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. Funeral services were conducted Nov. 23 at the Mt. Juliet church building.
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