Mary "Charlie" Alice Bonner

Mary Alice “Charlie” Bonner was born May 10, 1925 in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She departed this life on June 12, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Homer and Rosie Mae (Beavers) Staten. Mary married Lawrence L. Bonner in Fayetteville, Tennessee in 1946. They moved to Albion, Michigan in 1953 where Mary was a loving, faithful, and devoted wife and homemaker. They were married for 48 years.

Mary was a devout Christian, thanking God daily for His many Blessings, mindful that all fall short of perfection. Those who visited Mary often found her Bible open on the kitchen table. She and Lawrence joined Leggett Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in the early 50s. Mary held many positions in the church, including Superintendent of the Buds of Promise for the Missionary Society, Director of the Children’s Choir, and usher. She was a member of the Culinary Team (her carrot cake was legendary!) and for many years, played the piano for church services. Among her favorite hymns were “Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior,” and “Amazing Grace.” After relinquishing her many duties, she retired to the back pew at Leggett Chapel. A disciplinarian, yet loving, she could still make children sit up straight by simply clearing her throat.

For her 100th birthday, Mary was honored by the Leggett Chapel congregation, family and friends. At 101-years-old, Mary was the oldest (in age) member of Leggett Chapel.

Mary believed in uplifting people, having a positive attitude and approaching challenges with optimism. She greeted each morning with praise and enthusiasm, and was strong and courageous even in the face of obstacles. She was a loving role model and generous to a fault, often donating money and food to others in the community and to her favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. She was small in stature yet large in presence.

Mary had a straightforward, no-nonsense style all her own. For most of her life, she was an exceptionally energetic and fiercely independent woman. She loved “ripping and running.” Most years, she planted and harvested her own gardens, drove her own car, and mowed her own lawn well into her 90s. She was much loved in the community and enjoyed attending a wide range of neighborhood functions. Having fond connections to her home state, Mary often travelled back to the traditional “Tennessee Ball” to celebrate with old friends and newcomers. She enjoyed music, flower gardening, fishing, shopping, and home cooking.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence Bonner, her parents, Samuel and Rosie Staten, her sisters, Rebecca Johnson, Rosie Mae Stone, and her brother, Samuel H. Stone.

Mary “Charlie” Bonner leaves to honor her memory her godson Landon (Regina) Mitchell, Lake Orion, Michigan, goddaughter Holly Walker, Los Angeles, California, godson WinShawn Anderson, Albion, Michigan, grand-niece Jacquise Staten, Indiana, special friends Sue Wilson, Jonnie Mae Miller, Jan Clark, and other family and friends. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and kindness.

A viewing for Mary will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00PM - 7:00PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr. Albion, MI 49224.

Services for Mary will be held on Wednesday, July 01, 2026. A family hour will take place from 12:00PM - 1:00PM with a funeral service to follow at 1:00PM at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI. She will be laid to rest at Albion Memory Gardens, Albion, Michigan. A repast a will be held after services at Leggett Chapel AME Zion Church in Albion, Michigan.