Lillian Rae Bonds

Lillian Rae Bonds, age 82, died Sunday, May 20, 2012, at St. Mary's Health Center, in Jefferson City, Missouri. She was born December 11, 1929, in Jefferson City, Missouri to Peter Fuller and Lula E. Davis. She was raised by her mother and her stepfather John T. Thornton. In 1947, she was united in marriage to Clifford T. "Wingy" Dameron, and in this union two daughters, Della and Tamala were born. In 1962, she was united to Robert L. Bonds. She was preceded in death by both husbands. She received her education at Washington Elementary School. Lillian accepted Christ early in life, leading her to Dunavant Chapel AME Zion Church. She was a devoted member, having served in various capacities (Choir, Church Clerk/Secretary, Trustee, and Preacher Steward, for more than 40 years), eventually becoming a Licensed Exhorter. After Dunavant Chapel shut their doors, she returned to Second Christian Church where she had previously held membership. Lillian was an employee of the State of Missouri for 32 years. During that time, she worked for the Missouri Department of Revenue for 14 years and the Missouri Department of Corrections for 18 years. Lillian retired from the State of Missouri in April 1992. After several years of restlessness, she returned to the workforce at the Michael W. Prenger Family Center in 1997. She enjoyed her work with the youth for six years where the children and staff called her Grandma. She would often say "Those children aren't bad, they just need love". Active in the community, Lillian found pleasure in being a co-founder in the implementation of the Jefferson City Black Heritage Hometown Reunion Association. She supported the Democratic Party as a poll worker for many years. Lillian enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and playing Pokeno and other card games. She loved to attend the extra curricular activities of her granddaughter. Sis Lil leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Dr. Della Lou Dameron-Johnson (Cleveland) of Salisbury, Maryland and Tamala Ann Norfus (Gregory Tyrone Sr.) of Holts Summit, Missouri; one granddaughter, Dellanta Rae Butler (Nathan Sr.) of Jefferson City, Missouri; one great-grandson, Nathan James Butler Jr. of Jefferson City, Missouri; one great-granddaughter, Mariah Jainea Butler of Jefferson City, Missouri; one sister-in-law; Bernice Smith of Shirley, Massachusetts; one niece; Jocelyn Smith-Farrington of Shirley Massachusetts; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She also leaves to mourn an extended nephew; Gary W. White (Jeannette) of Chesterfield, Missouri; two extended nieces; June V. White of Raytown, Missouri; and Bishop Saundra McFadden-Weaver of Kansas City, Missouri; one extended great- niece; Malkia S. White of Atlanta, Georgia; and two devoted friends referred to as "Her girls" Ms. Dorothy Jeannette Hord and Mrs. Mattie Chambers both of Jefferson City, Missouri. She was proceeded in death by her parents, one brother; Charles Richard Smith, her aunt; Reverend Clara T. Turner; and one niece; Carmen Smith-Haynes. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Second Christian Church, 703 East Dunklin St., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Longview Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to Oak Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, County Road 365 New Bloomfield, Missouri 65063, or Second Christian Church, 703 East Dunklin St., Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com