Centenarian Pearly Mae Bonds

Centenarian Mrs. Pearly Mae Bonds Our beloved Mrs. Pearly Mae Bonds, 100, of Peoria, IL, transitioned to her heavenly home at 8:50 pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing Home. Pearly was born on October 4, 1923, in Curve, TN to Oscar and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Stinson, Sr. She married TR Bonds on October 31, 1942, in Caruthersville, MO. He preceded her in death 29 years ago, on June 29, 1995. Although she traveled to many cities and states, Mrs. Bonds said there is no place like Peoria, IL. Pearly accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. She sang in the church choir and served on several church committees and boards as a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, and later, Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Peoria, IL. Mrs. Bonds was a faithful member and officer of the Ward Chapel AME Church for over 50+ years, she loved her church immensely. She was one of the church’s influencers and was an invaluable Pastoral Advisor. Mrs. Bonds served the church in many capacities such as Pastor’s Aid, Steward and choir member. She founded the Willing Workers Club and was a member of the Wilberforce Club. Over the years, she also led the voter’s registration drive at the church and in the community. Throughout her lifetime, she has dedicated herself to the cause of civil rights. Mrs. Bonds has received many awards and accolades. She was instrumental in getting the NAACP building donated from the City of Peoria; her efforts were also publicly celebrated when the building was renamed the “Pearly M. Bonds Community Center” in 2014. Throughout the years, she has received awards which include: • July 1984 NAACP 25 years or more Service Diploma • November 1988 Ward Chapel AME Church Officer Certificate of Steward Board • April 1992 Harrison Youth Center’s Mother’s Group Certificate of Recognition • March 1996 African American Hall of Fame Inductee • June 1997 United Usher Board of Peoria, IL Certificate of Recognition for Dedicated Christian Service as an Usher • May 2005 Wall of Tolerance National Campaign Mrs. Pearly M. Bonds (Placed on the Wall of Tolerance) • January 2009 King Holiday Day Committee Rosa Parks Award • May 2010 YMCA Leaders Award Luncheon Valeska S. Hinton Human Rights Award Let’s celebrate Mrs. Bonds for her service as: • One of the founding visionaries of the African American Hall of Fame Museum in 1987 • A fervent supporter and advocate of African American Hall of Fame Museum Inductees • A dedicated Civil Rights leader in Peoria for over 50 years • A bridge to financial access for various organizations • A source of strength for Christian believers • A champion for African Americans seeking jobs throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s • A mentor and adviser to the African American Hall of Fame leadership team and other community leaders (Andre Bohannon, Junior Watkins, Pastor Howard Johnson, Eric Turner, Rosemary McCullough, and others who serve the greater Peoria area) Pearly leaves to cherish her loving memory, her son, James Bond of Aubrey, TX; five grandchildren, Carlos Jones, Teon Metts, and D’Mir Henderson, all of Peoria, IL; Kristopher Poynter of Louisville, KY, and Avante’ Bond of Carrolton, TX; Ten-great-grandchildren; Sisters: Lillian Crooks of Glassboro, NJ and Alice Montine Brown of Chicago, IL, one brother Joseph Bedford Stinson (Marlene) of Sacramento, CA, and a host of other beloved family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter, Theresa “Terry” Bonds; brothers, Joseph E. Graves, Eddie Stinson, and William Stinson; and sisters, Virginia Stinson Donaldson, Girtie B. Phillips, and Maggie L. Jamison. The family would like to acknowledge cousins Yvonne Booth and Johnny Stenson, who have looked out for Pearly over the years, as anchors. Also, a special thanks to Ms. Angel Stenson, who always assisted Mrs. Bonds at the nursing home, kept the family updated, and was with her when Mrs. Bonds passed. Angel made sure Mrs. Bonds was always impeccably dressed, her hair and makeup done, and her fingernails polished. Also, Cleo & Gloria Carter, Howard Johnson and the Ward Chapel Church Family. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, with a visitation beginning one hour prior at 10 am. Interim Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Elaine Gordon will officiate. Associate Minister Rev. Arthur Williams, Sr., will bring the eulogy. Pearly will be laid to rest at the American Mausoleum. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Centenarian Pearly Mae Bonds

October 4, 1923 - June 29, 2024