William T. Bonner

On Wednesday July 1, 2009, Deacon William Thomas Bonner, affectionately known as "Bill," entered into eternal rest peacefully at Southside Regional Medical Center.

He was born Sept. 18, 1916, to the late William "Billy" Bonner and Emma Bates Bonner in Dinwiddie County, Va. At an early age, he confessed Christ and became a member of the Mount Level Baptist Church, Dinwiddie. He served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge. He worked for many years in New York City, New York and the Petersburg area as a butcher. Upon returning to Dinwiddie many years ago, he reunited with his home church, Mount Level. There he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and on the Deacons Ministry for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Cora; two sisters, Gertrude and Alice; and a brother, Floyd.

He leaves to cherish memories, two sisters, Florence Bonner of Richmond and Bernice Wright of New York, N.Y.; two brothers, John Moses Bonner and James Bonner (Doletha), all of Dinwiddie; Gloria and William Valentine, whom he loved as his own children; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends to include a devoted friend, Ms. Lily Shepperson of Dinwiddie, Via.

A homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2009, at the Mount Level Baptist Church, Dinwiddie, with the pastor, the Rev. Bernard Coleman, officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the residence of his brother and sister-in-law, James R. and Doletha Bonner, 16207 Courthouse Road, Dinwiddie, and will assemble there at 10:15 a.m. on the day of the service. Public viewing will be held on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 11107 Doyle Blvd., McKenney, (804) 478-4411.