Gertrude Viola Bonner

Gertrude Viola Bonner was born on February 7, 1916 to John Sweeney and Ola Dupre. She grew up in the small town of Somerville, Texas with her brothers John, Jim, and Alton as well as one sister, Mable. Her joy in life was studying and she fulfilled that dream and graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. She then pursued her education further and attended Texas Southern University where she graduated in 1952 with a Master of Education. With her newly earned degrees she entered the teaching profession in the Aldine School District. Gertrude continued teaching and spent her entire working career with the Aldine School District teaching the children in her neighborhood. She was soon promoted to Assistant Principal and finally to the rank of Principal. Additionally, she earned a Christian Development Diploma for 100 hours of church study including church involvement from her neighborhood church, Jersey Village Baptist Church. She was beloved by many of her students who continued to visit her throughout the years. Mrs. Bonner became a member of Jersey Village Baptist Church after moving to the community and was very active in the church's activities. She remained a faithful and active member until her disabilities restricted her from active participation. She thoroughly enjoyed Christian music and was a scholar of the Bible. She was an Honorary Life Member of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers which was a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. She was an original founding member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Chapter 4543 and received an award from AARP for her 20 year anniversary of service to the chapter. She was also a member of the National Retired Teachers Association. She married Theodore Bonner who remained her husband until his death. No children were born to this union. However, she had a host of nieces and nephews that became her children. Mrs. Bonner had three brothers and one sister who have all preceded her in death. But she has a host of surviving relatives in Austin, Houston, Dallas, Pelham, and Somerville, Texas. On March 21, 2014, Mrs. Bonner lost her long but diligent battle with Parkinson's Disease. She is survived by a host of relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Houston Area Parkinson's Society.