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Joan Bonner Obituary

Joan Bonner Battle Creek Joan Bonner, 71, formerly Joan Peterson, of Battle Creek, died Friday, October 10, 2008 at Borgess Hospital. She was born September 10, 1937 in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Roscoe and Thelma (Honeycutt) Peterson. Joanie loved the Lord and was His servant. Many children know about Jesus Christ and His love for them through her work in Junior Churches, Sunday Schools, Teen Groups and children's choirs. Aunt Joanie taught children how to live by teaching them to love, learn, sew, clean, and take care of themselves and others. Many adults know her for her encouraging words, deeds and kindnesses. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thomas Henry Bonner; sons, Tommy Lee Bonner of Buford, GA and his wife, Loretta (Gettys) Bonner, and Joseph Donald Bonner of Williamston, Michigan and his wife, Tracie (Stagman) Bonner, and daughter Teresa Jean (Ingle) Harner; nine grandchildren, Sarah Love Bonner, Joshua Donald Bonner (Shirley), Jonathan Thomas Bonner, Mandy Joy Bonner of Georgia, Jason (Kris) Harner, Stephanie Harner, and Julie Harner of Battle Creek, Michigan, Thomas Robert and Roza Bonner of Williamston, Michigan; one great-grandchild, Christopher Michael Bonner of Georgia; brothers, Ernest (Wilma), Wayne (Joan), Reuben (Julia), Richard (Sharon), and Roger (Sally); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters Janie and Judy and her mother and father. A celebration of her life song will be Monday, October 13th at Urbandale Baptist Church, 19 Geiger Ave., Battle Creek, Michigan. There will be a family-only viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be a time of visitation with the family. The funeral will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a gravesite service to follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1490 East Michigan Ave. To honor her love of working in children's ministries, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Old Suwanee Christian School, 4118 Old Suwanee Road, Buford, GA 30518, for the new classrooms at the gym or to Creative Adoptions, 10632 Little Patuxent Pkwy. #3, Columbia, MD 21044 to support children in orphanages overseas. The family is being assisted by the Today Center of West Michigan, 632 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Oct. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Bonner

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Melinda Rockenbach

October 7, 2023

Aunt Joanie oh how much I think of you and Mom Whitman, you two ladies have taught me so much in my life. And your memories are always with me. I love and miss you so very much. Thank you for so many memories, Love always, Melinda Yingling Rockenbach

Ginni (Leonard) Carrican

October 15, 2008

She was just 'Mom' to me for 37 years and I never doubted for a second that I was loved by her. I will miss calling her on the phone and hearing her laugh. She was an important person in my life and I know my life is so much richer for having had her in it.

Ernest and Wilma Peterson

October 13, 2008

My sister Joannie was very special to me because she would come get my children and would spend the time and LOVE to make them well rounded and loving individuals. She also brought the word of God into our home! I Loved my Sister very much and My only hope is that I see her one day in Heaven!

Jennifer & Jeff (Peterson) Orbeck & Family

October 13, 2008

To my Dear Uncle Tom and Family,
I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful legacy... Aunt Joanie had a way of making everyone feel as though they were the most important person, especially when she called your name!!! When you heard that voice, you stopped whatever you were doing, and were instantly drawn to respond... I will miss that infectious laugh, singing around the piano at Christmas or whenever, and the faith she had in all of our "gifts"!!! I pray we don't lose touch, and that her "life song" continues on in future gatherings, as I know she would hope we would all continue on in love! With love, remembrance, and prayer I think of you always!

Paul and Debbie Vargas

October 13, 2008

Thoughts, prayers to you all
with sympathy from neighbors of long ago.

Melinda Rockenbach (Yingling)

October 13, 2008

I sure am going to miss Aunt Joni, I have some very fond memories of the times we shared together, the good times and rough times :o)
My heart goes out to her family. I know she will be missed here on Earth.
I am so glad that I had the oppurtunity to have her in my life :o)
Sending my love to Uncle Tom, Tommy and Joe. God Bless you all through this time. We will all see her again in Heaven one day :o)
Love,

Erin Peterson

October 13, 2008

Aunt Joannie will be missed by all that knew her. I am Thankful for the many wonderful memmories that she created for all her family and friends, such as fanny whacking doodle whacking time, the singing, cooking, bible time,etc... Because you and Uncle Tom loved me and my family so, my cup runneth over! Thank you; I will never forget my wonderful, loving, full of spunk, spontanious "little" Aunt Joannie, no one compares to you!

Sandy Bartlett

October 13, 2008

Joannie was a special lady. She helped my granddaughter make her first quilt, which I have. I want to thank her for that. She will be missed by a lot of friends and family.

Mary Uptigrove

October 13, 2008

Joe, Tracie, Toby and Roza,
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your Mom and Grandma. There are no words that can take away the sorrow you are experiencing. Know only that she is now pain-free, living with her savior and will be with you in spirit as each day progresses.
Mary and Debbie

Eric and Sally Peterson

October 12, 2008

We will never forget you and will miss you always.

Dorothy & Bud Jackson

October 12, 2008

Tom and family

We are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences.

Dorothy and Bud Jackson
(Sally,s Mom)

Joan Findley (Leonard)

October 12, 2008

May the Love of your family and friends help you through these sad times. Joannie was a wonderful person and will live on in the hearts of those that she touched.

Marc and Dorene Doerschler

October 12, 2008

So sorry for your loss. She was a special person.

Cheryl (Lopshire) Kreps

October 12, 2008

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Joe & Lora Vasquez

October 12, 2008

We are so sorry to hear about Joan. Our love and prayers will be with you through this time of loss.

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