Willie Mae Bonds

Willie Mae Bonds, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at her home in Raeford, NC. Affectionately known as “Mrs. Willie”, was born March 10, 1931, in Sumter, SC, to the late Jackie and Vera Magdalene Johnson.

Mrs. Willie obtained her diploma from Scotts Branch High School in Sumter, SC in 1949. She often spoke with joy about her high school years playing on the basketball team. Not long after graduation she relocated to Newark, New Jersey.

In 1953, she met her future husband the late Joel Bonds and was later joined in marriage on June 10, 1956 in Shannon, NC. To this union six children were born: Joel, Jonetta, Jackie, who preceded her in death, Stephany, Vera, who preceded her in death, and Robert.

In 1968 Mrs. Willie begin working for Burlington Industries as a Lab Technical. She retired in 2003 after 35 years of service. She spent her early retirement days working at the food bank, and also made deliveries for those who were homebound. Privately, she believed strongly in blood donation, and donated regularly to the Red Cross to help others.

Mrs. Willie truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, chatting with many friends and family, cooking, baking cakes and pies, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive, yet funny way. She never ran out of funny and inspirational quotes to either help you through the ups and downs of life, or simply make you laugh. She truly loved to laugh and would spend hours chatting, talking, and laughing wholeheartedly with folks. But her joy was her grandchildren, who loving called her “Nana”. She delighted in spoiling them tremendously. Her heart was her family and making sure they follow the way of Christ and making the right choices.

Mrs. Willie was a devoted and faithful member of Rhyne Memorial Methodist Church since the 1960’s. In 1991 she was awarded a Certificate of Recognition of Service. She was a faithful member until her health began to fail.

Her passing leaves a void for those whom she loved and cherished. She leaves to celebrate her life and memories: four loving children, Joel Bonds of Queens, NY, Jonetta Bonds of Knightdale, NC, Stephany Bonds of Raeford, NC, Robert Bonds of Greensboro, NC, six grandchildren, Timothy Collins of Raleigh, NC, Adrian Bailey (Rhea) of Indiana, Chantevia Booker (Charles) of Indiana; Evan Bonds of Greensboro, NC, Jackelina Bonds of Bellevue, WA, Elijah Bonds of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Henry Dave Johnson of New Jersey; four nieces, Jackie Johnson of New Jersey, Tonya Johnson of Michigan, Lisa Boyd of Washington, Crystal Johnson of New Jersey; two nephews, Byron Brandon (Dana) of New Jersey, Brian Thomas of Washington; two cousins, Stephanie Brogdon of New York; Brenda Brogdon-Alexis (Ronald) of New York, and many dependable neighbors, a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held to reminisce, celebrate, and support each other, and of course, chat at Rhyne Memorial Methodist Church, Red Springs, NC on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00pm.

Public viewing will begin at 1:00pm.

Service arrangements entrusted to: Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.

Flower donations are entrusted to: Calico Corner, 117 N. Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376.