Funeral Information
Location:
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Date: 01-28-2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Time: 2:00 PM
Visitation Information
Location:
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
Gladys Elizabeth Hubbard Bonner delighted her parents, Arthur J. Hubbard, Sr. and Essie Mae Bell Hubbard, when she came into their lives on March 3, 1926, in Madison, Florida. This day was the beginning of the impact she, in her own unique way, would make by allowing God to use her to accomplish His marvelous work. Except for her later years in Tampa, Florida, she was a lifelong resident of her Madison community.
Loved ones who preceded Mother Gladys Bonner in death were her parents: Arthur J. and Essie Mae Bell Hubbard, Sr.; husband: Rufus Bonner, Sr.; sons: Rufus Bonner, Jr. and Darryl Charles Bonner; siblings: Arthur Hubbard, Jr. and Dorothy Hubbard Alexander.
Gladys was educated in the segregated public school system and was a graduate of Madison County Training School. She later married her forever love, Rufus Bonner, Sr., and became a dutiful stay-at-home-wife and mother. The joy of the Lord was her strength as she dedicated herself to being a good parent. She raised her children to always keep God first in all they do, to love and respect others, and to always give their best effort.
“Yes, God is real, for I can feel Him deep in my soul”. One of Gladys Bonner’s most transformative experiences as a young girl occurred when she professed her belief in Jesus, was baptized by faith, and began her journey of service at her beloved Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. “This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine” was demonstrated in the way she interacted with others and how she fulfilled her obligations. Gladys acquired the name “Miss Sunshine” by her church family because of her positive influence. She always allowed the light of Jesus to shine from within and it overflowed to others; she also spread sunshine and godly cheer through her mission/ministry with her faithfully visiting those who were identified as sick and shut in. Also included were the other roles she willingly did. Needless to say, her work for the Lord did not go unnoticed by her church, and she was ultimately bestowed the honor of “Mother” of the church.
Mother Bonner was straight-forward so there was no question as to how she felt, but she was very diplomatic in doing so. She was gifted with godly wisdom that she shared when there was a need, and it was always on point.
Mother Bonner was a faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mother Gladys Elizabeth Hubbard Bonner did not lose faith. She knew that God did not bring her this far to leave her. Therefore, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the close of her life journey, she obediently answered the Lord when He whispered her name. Having fulfilled her promise to serve the Lord with gladness, she relocated to her heavenly Father’s home where she can serve Him forever.
Mother Gladys Elizabeth Hubbard Bonner left her footprints in the sands of time because her living was not in vain. Her loved ones who will mourn her passing but cherish her precious memory are her beloved daughter: Marva Ann Bonner Ray of Tampa, FL; grandchildren: Anton Van (Pam) Anderson of Tallahassee, FL, Deborah Ray and Latoria Ray, both of Tampa, FL, Tasha (Matt) Parker of Jacksonville, FL, Darius Bonner and Shari Bonner, both of Atlanta, GA, Bria Bonner of Houston TX, and Jason Bonner of Madison, FL; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins; along with many other dear friends.
Loved ones who preceded Mother Gladys Bonner in death were her parents: Arthur J. and Essie Mae Bell Hubbard, Sr.; husband: Rufus Bonner, Sr.; sons: Rufus Bonner, Jr. and Darryl Charles Bonner; siblings: Arthur Hubbard, Jr. and Dorothy Hubbard Alexander.
Gladys was educated in the segregated public school system and was a graduate of Madison County Training School. She later married her forever love, Rufus Bonner, Sr., and became a dutiful stay-at-home-wife and mother. The joy of the Lord was her strength as she dedicated herself to being a good parent. She raised her children to always keep God first in all they do, to love and respect others, and to always give their best effort.
“Yes, God is real, for I can feel Him deep in my soul”. One of Gladys Bonner’s most transformative experiences as a young girl occurred when she professed her belief in Jesus, was baptized by faith, and began her journey of service at her beloved Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. “This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine” was demonstrated in the way she interacted with others and how she fulfilled her obligations. Gladys acquired the name “Miss Sunshine” by her church family because of her positive influence. She always allowed the light of Jesus to shine from within and it overflowed to others; she also spread sunshine and godly cheer through her mission/ministry with her faithfully visiting those who were identified as sick and shut in. Also included were the other roles she willingly did. Needless to say, her work for the Lord did not go unnoticed by her church, and she was ultimately bestowed the honor of “Mother” of the church.
Mother Bonner was straight-forward so there was no question as to how she felt, but she was very diplomatic in doing so. She was gifted with godly wisdom that she shared when there was a need, and it was always on point.
Mother Bonner was a faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mother Gladys Elizabeth Hubbard Bonner did not lose faith. She knew that God did not bring her this far to leave her. Therefore, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the close of her life journey, she obediently answered the Lord when He whispered her name. Having fulfilled her promise to serve the Lord with gladness, she relocated to her heavenly Father’s home where she can serve Him forever.
Mother Gladys Elizabeth Hubbard Bonner left her footprints in the sands of time because her living was not in vain. Her loved ones who will mourn her passing but cherish her precious memory are her beloved daughter: Marva Ann Bonner Ray of Tampa, FL; grandchildren: Anton Van (Pam) Anderson of Tallahassee, FL, Deborah Ray and Latoria Ray, both of Tampa, FL, Tasha (Matt) Parker of Jacksonville, FL, Darius Bonner and Shari Bonner, both of Atlanta, GA, Bria Bonner of Houston TX, and Jason Bonner of Madison, FL; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins; along with many other dear friends.