Mr. Smiley Bonds' Obituary
Graveside services for Mr. Smiley Bonds were held on Monday, July 26, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with Rev. Trevelle McGlothin officiating. Berry and Gardner Funeral Home were entrusted with arrangements.
Mr. Bonds of Meridian, MS passed away on July 20 2021 at his residence. Born November 28, 1924 in Cusseta, GA., his parents were Rev. C.S. Bonds and Julia Holmes Bonds. As life would dictate, his parents and four siblings preceded him in death.
As a young man, Mr. Bonds resided in Lisman, AL. His life in Lisman included memorable church activities at St. Mark C.M.E. Church where his father had once served as the pastor. Soon after graduation from Choctaw County Training School, he was drafted to the United States Navy. In later years he shared the details of his service in the Navy to attentive family members. Many of these experiences were not pleasant, but all the more revealing of life in the armed services from 1943-1946.
When Mr. Bonds returned home after an honorable discharge from the Navy, he considered what would be next in his life. With encouragement from his mother and friends, he decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled at Tuskegee Institute where he earned a B. S. degree in Agronomy. After graduation, Mr. Bonds began his career at Stevenson High School teaching science during the day and classes to veterans during the evening. His entire professional career was in the Lauderdale County School District. He held teaching and administration positions at Triplette Jr. High, Middleton Attendance Center and Southeast Lauderdale High School. By virtue of his education, training and temperament, Mr. Bonds was well suited for challenging and inspiring students of all ages. Always seeking to be an example for his students and family, he continued his education and attained a Master’s degree in Secondary Education Administration from Mississippi State University.
Mr. Bonds married Naomi Virginia Wilson Bonds while they were both students at Tuskegee Institute. A very well-matched couple, they enjoyed seeing the reaction on the faces of people when they would tell them that they both shared the same birth date, November 28th. They were the parents of two daughters (also known as the ‘Bonds Girls’), Brenda and Carolyn.
A faithful and loyal member of St. James A. M.E Church, Mr. Bonds served as Trustee, Steward, and Sunday School leader at different times during his over 60 years of membership.
Survivors include two daughters: Brenda (El Jewell Sr.) Lorthridge and Carolyn (Marion) Sylvester, all of Indianapolis, Indiana; one brother-in-law, McLendon Wilson of Houston, TX and one sister-in-law, Ruth Wilson of Meridian, MS; five grandchildren: Marquesa (Ryan) Smith, Michael (Lajanneice) Sylvester, Clinton (Kari) Sylvester, El Jewell Lorthridge Jr. and Kasey (Charles) Garcia, seven great-grandchildren; Marcus Ellington, Ryana Smith, Rachel Smith, Gabrielle Sylvester, Gavin Sylvester, Mathias Smith and Rhys Garcia, nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members and loyal friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. James A.M.E. Church, 3706 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39307.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Berry and Gardner’s OP Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.berryandgardner.com.
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC,
THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES ARE BEING PRACTICED FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILIES BEING SERVED AND OUR STAFF:
Viewings:
- All viewings are limited to one hour and no more than 10 people are allowed in the chapel at one time where social distancing is not possible.
- Temperatures must be taken upon entering the lobby. Temperatures 100 degrees or more will not be allowed to enter.
- All visitors must wear a mask and are not allowed to touch, hug or kiss the body.
Graveside Services:
- All services are Graveside. Those in attendance are asked to practice social distancing where possible and wear a mask.
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