Jenny Taylor Bond

surrounded by gentle care from the staff at Burcham Hills, Sparrow Hospice and loving friends. Dr. Bond was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow W. Taylor, her husband, John E. Bond, and her adopted sons, Kurt and Marty Bond. Dr. Bond is survived by her brothers, Emmette C. Taylor of Atlanta, Ga. (Karen) and Woodrow. M. Taylor of Shalotte, N.C. (Patricia). She was born in Deep Run, N.C. and after completing her undergraduate degree at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C., she moved to Michigan to pursue graduate work at Michigan State University (MSU).

After completing her graduate work at MSU, Dr. Bond was appointed as a faculty member in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN). In her faculty role she excelled as an inspiring teacher and provided a life-long commitment to teaching and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students in nutrition and dietetics. Her engaging work in nutrition education and world food security contributed significantly to a better society. She was also an integral contributor to the MSU Dietetics program, which was at that time, the largest such program in the U.S. Her faculty contributions exemplified the integration of teaching, scholarship and outreach activities in the context of a research-intense, land-grant institution.

Dr. Bond was the recipient of numerous professional awards including: The Outstanding University Woman Faculty Award from MSU; Outstanding Dietetic Educator from the Michigan Dietetic Association; Outstanding Teaching Award from the College of Human Ecology; the National Excellence in Teaching Award in Food and Agricultural Sciences from USDA; the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award and MSU Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Bond was appointed by MSU President Dr. John DiBiaggio to co-chair the Committee to Review Undergraduate Experience. The outcomes from this initiative significantly reformed general education at MSU. Dr. Bond was very active at the national level as a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. She served as President of the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and served twice on the Board of Directors of the Christian Children’s Fund.

Upon her retirement from the FSHN Department, Dr. Bond was appointed to the position of Assistant Dean for International Studies and Programs at MSU. In this role, she was instrumental in the development of proposals that resulted in multiple international awards and further strengthened MSU’s highly acclaimed global programs.

Jenny and John were devoted supporters of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Highfields, and MSU Spartan women's basketball and volleyball. Among their favorite traditions was an annual trip with a close circle of friends to Indianapolis, as great fans of the thunderous spectacle of the Indianapolis 500

Jenny had an abiding love for the Mason community and expressed that commitment through a lifetime of active service. She was a devoted member of the Mason Rotary Club, where she valued fellowship and contributed to service projects that strengthened the local community. She was also an engaged participant in the College Club, reflecting her lifelong belief in education, intellectual curiosity, and civic involvement. In recognition of her community service, Jenny was named Mason Citizen of the Year.

Faith and service were central to Jenny’s life. She was a longstanding member of Mason First Presbyterian Church, where she found opportunities for meaningful service. Extending her compassion beyond her

immediate surroundings, Jenny served on the Board of Directors of EVE, Inc., a domestic violence shelter for women, where she was a dedicated advocate for safety and support for women and families in crisis.

One of Jenny’s greatest talents was her gift for creating beautiful and expressive flower arrangements. Whenever an occasion called for flowers, Jenny was the one who willingly stepped forward. She was an active member of The Garden Club of Greater Lansing, The West Michigan Flower Arrangers Guild, The Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club, Michigan Garden Clubs State board and she was certified as a Michigan Garden Club Accredited Flower Show Judge.

On a lighter note, Jenny was a cherished member of a close-knit group of women known as the GGW’s. This circle of twelve friends shared a bond fueled by laughter and a love of life. Together, they were enthusiastic travelers, exploring a wide variety of destinations and creating lasting memories along the way. The GGW’s delighted in celebrating—finding reasons large and small to get together.

We wish to express deep gratitude to Charlotte Barnum for her many years of devoted service and kindness to both John and Jenny.

During the past three and one half years, Jenny was lovingly cared for by two lifelong friends of over fifty years, Dr. Jerry and Stella Cash. Her final words to them, spoken shortly before she passed, were “I love you, bye bye.”

A celebration of life for Jenny will be held on January 9, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Mason, 131 E Maple St, Mason, MI 48854. Visitation is 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with the service immediately following.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a gift to: Jenny Bond Endowment for the Spencer Zoo Fund, Capital Region Community Foundation or The First Presbyterian Church of Mason.