Monica Patrice Bunley's Obituary
Monica Patrice Funches Bunley was born on June 26, 1966, in Jackson, Mississippi. Her parents are the late Elnoel L. Funches, Sr., affectionately known as "Big Daddy," and Precious Louise Magee Funches, lovingly called "Big Mama." She was the youngest of seven children.
Monica was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings: Larry Funches; Lawrence Funches (Alice); and Ella Ousley (Clyde Blakely, deceased).
A proud graduate of Robert M. Callaway High School in the Jackson Public School District, Class of 1985, Monica continued her education at Hinds Community College in Utica, Mississippi, and later attended Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where she majored in General Studies.
On August 9, 1986, Monica married the love of her life, J.W. Bunley. Their union was blessed with 22 years of marriage and two children. Monica's life was forever changed with the untimely passing of her husband on March 30, 2008, but her devotion to family remained unwavering.
Monica was known for her vibrant spirit and unmistakable "old soul." She had a deep love for Jackson State University football. She could often be found enjoying her favorite television shows, including The Young and the Restless, Good Times, A Different World, Martin, The Cleveland Show, Wonder Woman, Laverne & Shirley, and The Love Boat. Her musical taste reflected her timeless style, with favorites such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and The Gap Band filling her days with rhythm and joy. She loved to dance and often joked about her dream of being one of the "Black Gold" dancers-a dream well-suited for her flair for fashion, as she was known for perfectly coordinating her outfits and hair accessories.
Monica was raised attending Holy Ghost Catholic Church and later became a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Pearl Street after moving to West Jackson. Her faith and sense of community remained important anchors throughout her life.
Her greatest joy, however, was her children. Monica cherished every moment spent with them, whether driving them around Jackson, taking trips to Mt. Olive, Mississippi to visit family, or heading to Hattiesburg for a little getaway and some cherished "me" time.
Affectionately nicknamed "Bam Bam" by her family-later shortened to "Bam"-Monica famously despised the name, insisting it was a boy's name. Still, if you heard someone call her "Bam," you knew immediately they were family.
Those left to cherish her loving memory include her two children, Christopher Levon Bunley and Crystal Shanta Bunley, both of Jackson, Mississippi; three siblings, Mae Gloria (Elwood) Johnson of Louisville, Kentucky, Ada (Harrell, deceased) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Elnoel "Bo" Funches, Jr. of Mt. Olive, Mississippi; four sister-in-laws, Clementine Thompson of Jackson, MS; Brenda (Ricky) Joiner of Jackson, MS; Betty (James-deceased) McPherson of Jackson, MS; JoAnn Davis of Jackson, MS, one brother-in-law, Randle Carl (Brenda) Bunley of Huntsville, AL along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Monica Patrice Funches Bunley will be remembered for her warmth, style, laughter, and deep love for her family- a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. There will be a celebration of life and balloon release for Monica at the Family House in Tougaloo, MS, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Monica?
What’s a lesson you learned from Monica?
Share a story where Monica's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Monica you’ll never forget.
How did Monica make you smile?