Erma Bonner

Erma Lee Bonner was born March 12th in Birmingham, Alabama, the seventh devoted and loving child of the late Mr. David Benjamin and Mrs. Laura Bell Bonner. Education and Faith were paramount in the Bonner Family. At an early age, she was baptized at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend John T. Porter. She was a faithful and devoted member of Sunday School Class # 3 and served as the Assistant Teacher. She attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from A. H. Parker High School where she was a member of the choir. Like her oldest brother David and sister Lillie Mae, Erma pursued a career in the teaching profession and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Miles College in 1962. A retired educator with 46 years of experience, Erma taught in the La Grange, Talbot and Hamilton Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama School systems. She served as president of the La Grange Education Association and school representative of Birmingham Education Association. After formally retiring as a full time teacher at Daniel Payne Middle School in 2000, she worked as a substitute teacher until 2008. Erma was a member of the alumni associations for Lincoln School, A.H. Parker Class of 1956 and Miles College. Erma lived with her sister Lillie Mae. She enjoyed working in the yard and took great pride in its appearance. Elaborate lawn decorations were done based on holidays. Because of her efforts, Keep Birmingham Beautiful Commission awarded an Honor Roll plaque. Erma was energetic, independent and strong willed. She displayed a deep commitment to the pursuit of excellence and being the best. Professionally and personally, her outstanding efforts were recognized with letters of commendation, flowers and plaques. She was blessed with extraordinary talents for organization and writing which resulted in the creation of ELB Writing Services. She was the event planner and speechwriter for functions such as birthdays and retirement for family and friends. Her skills were effectively reflected in the planning of the Bonner Family Reunions and booklets. At every reunion banquet, Erma served as Mistress of Ceremony. In 2008 a life changing event occurred that was the biggest challenge and test of her faith. Due to the effects of cancer treatment, Erma's health declined and she became homebound. In January 2012 due to the illness and passing of her oldest sister Lillie Mae who was her primary caregiver, Erma resided at the Cherry Hill Rehabilitation & HealthCare Center. As her health permitted, she attended the various activities and church services at Cherry Hill. Still competitive and feisty as ever, in December 2012 Erma entered and was first runner up for Miss Cherry Hill. Preceding her in death were: her mother, Laura Bell and father, David Benjamin; brothers, Bobby Stone, Joshua and David Charles; sisters, Helen Laura, Martha Ann and Lillie Mae; and niece Betty Jean Williams. God called Erma to rest on Tuesday, August 13th at Princeton Baptist Medical Center. Her legacy of love, devotion and strong family values will continue in the lives of those she leaves to cherish her memories: brother, James E. Bonner of Seaside, California; sisters Georgia B. Jones of Galveston, Texas, and Jacqueline Y. (Richard) Wiggins of Newark, New Jersey; brother-in-law, Robert Coleman of Cleveland, Ohio; special nephews, Reginald (Laurie) Jackson and Robert C. Williams of Birmingham, Alabama; special nieces, Stephanie L. Bonner-Wiggins of Atlanta, Georgia and Lillie M. Davis of Texas City, Texas; a host of other loving nephews, nieces and cousins; "special family friend" Kendell M. Jno-Finn and cherished friends.