Carole Jeanne BonJour

Carole Jeanne BonJour (Beets), 79, Joplin, Mo., passed away in the morning of Monday, June 29, 2026, after a quick battle with cancer.

Carole was born September 23, 1946, in Paola, Kansas, to the late Duke and Patsy Beets.

Carole married her high school sweetheart, the late Terry BonJour, on January 5, 1964. Together they raised their three children, Terese, Bridgit, and Jerry.

Carole graduated from Missouri Southern State College in 1988 and worked for 20 years as a Special Education teacher within the Carl Junction school system where she touched many lives. Following her retirement, Carole continued to tutor numerous students and work at Lafayette House in Joplin.

Carole loved spending time with her family, singing, playing games, watching game shows and Harry Potter, and reading books.

Carole was preceded in death by her husband Terry, her brother Michael, her sister Suzie, and her grandsons Taylor and Justin. Carole is survived by her brothers Ronald (wife Sharon) and Michael, sister-in-law Margaret; children Terese (husband Michael), Bridgit, and Jerry (wife Jennifer); grandchildren Jessica, Heather, Morgan (wife Alyssa), Brenton, Matthew, Olivia (husband Blake), and Reese; great-grandchildren Lillian, Janae, Max, and Felix; countless extended family members and close friends.

No services will be held as Carole’s wish was to be cremated and for her family to enjoy beans and cornbread together.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin