Bonnie Louise Grier

Bonnie Louise Bonacci Grier, 67, of Statesville, NC, passed away on September 11, 2025 at Gordon Hospice House after a long and valiant battle with cancer. 

Bonnie was born in Waterloo, NY on March 24, 1958 to the late Rudolph and Gwenneth Lawrence Bonacci, and grew up there with her 3 siblings and extended family.

Upon earning a B.A. in Biology from SUNY Geneseo, she joined the Peace Corps and taught 7th and 8th grade science classes for 2 years in Gorblee, a rural community in Liberia, West Africa. After returning to the US, Bonnie enjoyed a 30-year career as a quality control evaluator and bench scientist in both corporate and academic laboratories, and co-authored thirteen publications of original research in prominent medical and veterinary journals. She also co-wrote a memoir with 2 friends who had endured a sudden, traumatic illness and completed a lengthy recovery back to full health. True to her biologist nature, Bonnie loved life in all forms, and her passion for knowledge and discovery had no boundaries. An avid reader, she also loved live music, comedy, and travel, and often combined these interests on memorable road trips to foreign and domestic destinations. 

Bonnie is survived by Thomas Grier, her husband of 40 years; one brother, Steven Bonacci of Atlanta, GA; two sisters, Stefanie (Mark) Blaweiss and Rebecca Bonacci of Sarasota, FL; one brother-in-law, Robert (Denise) Grier of Gibsonia PA; one sister-in-law, Lynn (Andrej) Balanc of Sterling, VA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends. No visitation or memorial services are currently planned, and the family will receive friends at a later date. 

Heartfelt thanks to her physicians and the nursing staffs at Gordon Hospice House, Atrium Health Hematology and Oncology Clinic, and Iredell Memorial Hospital for their compassion and dedication to high quality medical care. Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bonnie Louise Grier.