Grace P. Bonds

Grace was born November 3, 1923 in Peoria, the daughter of Robert and Frances (Bush) Fears.

Surviving are her children, Gayle Lynn Fisher-Caldwell of Detroit, MI; Gwendolyn (Caleb) Fisher-Thompson of Bloomington; Frances Jo-Helen (Jerome) Maddox of Bloomington; Carolyn Elizabeth Bonds-Drayton of Bloomington; Debra Bonds-Robinson of East Chicago, IN; Floyd James Bonds, Jr. of St. Augustine, FL.; and Clifford W Bonds (Diana) of Statham, GA; 20 grandchildren, Jennifer (Farunda) Edwards; Nathanial (Chiquita) Caldwell; John Caldwell; Denise Marie (Bryant) Conley; Kieran Wayne (Taylor) Thompson; Darrin Caleb Thompson; Victoria Patrice Maddox; Ambria Kaelyn Maddox; Tenessa Jennings; Jerome (CarShena) Maddox III; Ashleigh (Kyle) Rinkenberger; Anna Grace; Pamela (James) Marie; Natalie (Gerald) Gantt; Keith Bonds; Kenya Bonds; Orlando Davis; Cathy Robinson; and Michelle Hall; 38 great-grandchildren; Kristen Johnson; Angel Johnson; Willie (Rachel) Johnson; Rhemia Cheatham; Justina Caldwell; Joshua Caldwell; Antwaun Lewis; Brittany Caldwell; Nathanial Caldwell II; Briana Caldwell; Tre’shauna Caldwell; Kyle Derrell Thompson; Tylan Dwayne Shannon; Haeli Minor; Rollins Beverly Grace Thompson; Bowie Tate Amberg; Cooper Patrick Amberg; Jordyn S. Maddox; Dylan Jerome; Carlin Dixon; Kaylee; Hayden; Sebastian and Savanah; Sapphire Brickhouse; Jabari Brickhouse; Jevonte Brickhouse; Antonio Davis; Shila Davis; Derrick Robinson; Trinity Robinson; Kiyra Robinson; Kiarra Robinson; Janae Robinson; Jene Hall; Jade Hall; Judah Hall; and Josiah Hall, eight great-great-grandchildren, Auderick Arrington; Ada Jones; Shavonne Spears; Pharoah Wilson; Ta’Lia Jenkins; Neveah Caldwell; Jakayla Rodgers; and Kewaun Caldwell; She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Bonds, Sr.; a son, Earl; and a grandson, Sgt. Anthony Maddox.

Grace attended Douglas Grade School, Roosevelt Jr. High School, and Bradley School of Music, and studied Business Education at Illinois State University and Lincoln College. During her high school years, she attended Mt. Zion Church in Peoria. Later in life, she became a member of the Wayman AME Church, Bloomington. Grace learned to play the piano as a young girl and played for Junior Choir, BYPU, and gave several recitals. She also became the organist and pianist for Wayman AME Church. While at Wayman, she joined the Missionary Society where she was president for nine years, was an YPD leader, taught Sunday school, and directed the junior and senior choirs.

Grace has been involved in numerous community activities and is a charter member of the Human Relations Commission, former chairman of the EEOC Committee, YWCA Board member, National Secretaries member, The Links Inc., past president of Church Women United and Home Sweet Home Women. She has worked for the State of Illinois, Department of Children’s Welfare, GTE, and State Farm. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, and traveling. Grace has always been a friend to all and our precious “Jewel”.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Wayman AME Church, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at East Lawn Funeral Home. The Central Illinois Chapter of the Links, Incorporated will conduct a memorial ceremony after the visitation in honor of Grace Bonds service to the Bloomington-Normal community and her membership in the Links, Incorporated. Private entombment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Links, centralillinoislinksinc.org. Online condolences may be shared at eastlawn-bloomington.com.