Lillie Bonner

Lillie Mae Bonner was born April 14th in Camden, Alabama, the second devoted and loving child to the late Mr. David Benjamin and Mrs. Laura Bell Bonner. God called Lillie Mae to rest on Saturday, January 14th. Teaching had always been Lillie's life goal. A retired educator with 40 years of experience, she began her career in Birmingham, but move to La Grange, Georgia to take advantage of a good teaching opportunity. She was one of the original faculty members of the Ethel W. Kight School. For 37 years she worked in La Grange and drove home to Birmingham on weekends. During those years she developed relationships which growth into what she lovingly referred to as her "La Grange Family". Lillie was a member of the Alpha Sigma Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. Lillie was friendly, loving, supportive and giving. She was positive and greeted you with a warm smile. One of her favorite sayings was "Keep Looking Up." She was deeply devoted and committed to her family and friends. She saved any article or picture that was related to family, friend or organization. She remembered birthdays and addressed Christmas cards using a typewriter. Lillie had a collection of 3,000 to 4,000 Christmas card from her family and friends. She gave as many as she received. When asked her age, Lillie would respond with "29". Young at heart, spirit and mind, she will be Forever "29" 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. (Johanna) Bonner of Seaside, California; sisters Georgia B. Jones of Galveston, Texas, Erma L. Bonner of Birmingham, Alabama and Jacqueline Y. (Richard) Wiggins of Newark, New Jersey; brother-in-law, Robert Coleman of Cleveland, Ohio; special nephews, Reginald (Laurie) Jackson of Birmingham, 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 nephews, nieces, cousins; "La Grange family" and cherished friends.