Bonita was born on January 7, 1966 at San Jorge Hospital in Santurce, Puerto Rico where her parents served on the mission field. Bonita attended elementary school in Eldon, Missouri and later graduated from John F. Hodge High School in St. James, Missouri. She completed her Associate’s degree from Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri and her Bachelors in Education from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Her Master of Science Curriculum and Instruction was awarded by The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
Bonita invested 28 years as a public school educator throughout Missouri in the communities of Columbia, Mexico and Carthage. Her professional life exemplified by a favorite “teacher” quote by Forest Witcraft, “A hundred years from now it won’t matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank, nor what my clothes looked like, but the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”
The most important relationship in Bonita’s life, her walk with Christ, was cultivated in her home by her parents Raymond and Therma Bond. Her personal commitment to Him began with her baptism at the age of 9 in Arvada, Colorado. Her gratitude for this relationship was exemplified throughout her life as she invested her talents including music, the teaching of children, handcrafted gifts, and joyfully encouraging others.
Remaining to cherish Bonita’s memory are her immediate family including her son, Brandon (Kayla) Bond of Joplin; her mother, Therma Bond of Webb City; her brothers Gordon (Nancy) Bond of Conway, AR and Mark (Rachel) Bond of Quincy, IL. She is also remembered by her beloved extended family, church family, dear friends and former students.
Bonita was preceded in death by her father, Raymond L. Bond.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor in the Spring of 2025. More specific information will be posted here as plans are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, Bonita’s family requests memorial gifts be directed to the Children’s Bible Fund at First Christian Church in Webb City, MO (219 South Webb Ave, Webb City, MO 64870). Arrangements are under the care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.
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