Gerald Bernard Bonner

Gerald Bernard Bonner

Gerald Bernard Bonner, 48, of DeKalb, IL, passed away on January 12, 2018.  He was born on March 4, 1969 to John Martin Jr. and Willie Pearl Bonner.  He accepted Christ as his personal savior and united with the Overcoming Pentecostal Church of God in Mexia, AL. Gerald loved his church and his Pastor, MInister Gladys Knight.  After he moved from the area, he attended his wife’s church from time to time, but he never changed his membership.  He attended Monroe County High School prior to entering the workforce.  His exemplary work ethics set him apart from others.  Gerald worked for XPO Logistics in Aurora, IL where he quickly earned himself a promotion and became lead over storage control. 

Gerald loved people, he would lend a hand to anyone in need.  He loved spending time with his family and friends, laughing and enjoying life.  He also loved animals, especially his horses.  It was not uncommon to see him riding through the Mexia Community on his horse, sitting high and throwing a wave to those he passed.  He truly enjoyed the time he spent riding.  When he wasn’t working, riding his horses, spending time with family and friends, Gerald was teaching himself how to play the guitar. He said he wanted to take back God’s music, by learning the beats of secular songs and changing the lyrics of the songs to gospel lyrics.

Gerald met his wife, Riva, in 2002 while living in Austell, GA. The two of them accepted the love that filled their hearts and were united in marriage on August 8, 2014.   The union brought about the love of three step-children who he loved as his own. 

Gerald was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Pearl Martin, and one sister, Charlotte Martin.  He leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife, Riva Edmonds-Bonner of DeKalb, IL; his father, John (Barbara Ann) Martin Jr.; five sons, Gerald B. Bonner Jr., Ja’Darius D. Bonner, and Ja’vanta M. Bonner of Mexia, AL, Jonas and Amani Edmonds of IL; two daughters, Charlotte M. Bonner of Monroeville, AL, and Remy T. Edmonds of DeKalb, IL; four brothers, Tony J. (Audrey) Martin of Sugar Hill, AL, John Martin III and Eric L. Martin, both of Mexia, AL; John Andrews of Frisco City, AL; four sisters, April Knight of Monroeville, AL, Johnita D. Martin of Montgomery, AL, Marcie Casey of Auburn, AL, and Ruby Rivers of Mexia, AL; three beloved god-children, Deontre Daily, Azaria K. Bates, and Aminah R. Kirkland, many nieces, nephews, and other loved relatives and friends.

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