Bonita Hayes-Dortch Memorial Fund

Dear Family and Friends,

With extremely heavy hearts, we share the news that Bonita Hayes-Dortch tragically passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022. Bonita was taken from our world after succumbing to a battle with a very aggressive late-stage cancer, only diagnosed in June 2022. Bonita was 62 years old at the time of her passing.

A committed wife and mother, she was dedicated to raising her 4 successful sons, Micah, Mykal, Marcus, and George III, and sacrificed by working multiple jobs to support them.

She was an Americorps Vista advocate, endeavoring to eliminate poverty and uplifting impoverished youth in our Greater St. Lous area. She also volunteered as a camp counselor at Camp Penuel for many years.

A lifelong learner, she spent time studying engineering at Parks College, and in later years enrolled at Harris Stowe College becoming proficient in business administration.

An avid traveler, Bonita made many trips to Asia and Europe, explored the US and Canada during many road trips, and embraced a passion for seeing the rest of the globe.

Her enthusiasm for life, commitment to God and her church, and impact on her community are how family and friends remember her. She leaves an unforgettable mark on her community of East St. Louis and was a pillar in her family.

As Bonita was taken from the world too soon, we ask for your thoughts and prayers for her family and friends as we mourn this incredibly tragic period. Along with your prayers, please help us raise funds to assist in covering the unexpected medical and funeral expenses incurred by the Dortch family.

All donations will go directly to the Dortch family to assist with expenses and to the creation of the Bonita Dortch memorial fund for increasing awareness of the early diagnosis of cancer in the African American Community.