Martha Bonds – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Martha Bonds, age 69, died December 1st, 2017. She was born March 9th, 1948 inn Tupelo, Mississippi. She died suddenly in a car accident, and as if the hand of god was there to protect her in her last seconds, sustained minuscule bodily harm.

She is survived by her mother Louise Bonds of Red Bay, AL, One Brother, Thomas Bonds and wife Dale of Tupelo, MS, One Son Marc McCarthy, wife Berry and twin grandsons of Arlington, VA. She has been a devoted caregiver to her mother Louise for the last two years of her life.

She graduated from Red Bay High School in 1967 and studied Music at Blue Mountain College and Florence State University.

Her piano performances graced the congregations of churches of which she enjoyed bringing traditional hymns to life. She was a neighborhood music teacher in Hermitage, TN teaching dozens of student’s music theory and piano fundamentals, holding regular recitals to showcase the performances of her understudies.

Her son cites her as the single most influential person in the foundation of his music performance and composition and shares her passion for music education, poetry, and the arts of her upbringing.

As a Nashvillian, she frequented symphony orchestra, bluegrass, country, and popular music performances of legends, and she had personal acquaintances of the likes of Roy Acuff who would announce his receipt of her hand-made valentines live on the Grand Ole Opry.

She also had a parental affinity for her cats who bear the names of familiar figures and friends. She loved nature and the outdoors, and especially the mountains of Tennessee and Virginia where her son would join her on hikes in the State and National forests.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and regularly blessed others with the bible passages that greatly influenced her faith. Recently while commenting on John 11:1-45, she said “This is my favorite story in the bible because it shows life, death and resurrection. And, the Holy Spirit does lead us in everyday life, at least the Holy Spirit leads me in everyday life. If this story doesn’t lead people to God, I don’t know what would……”

Per her request for cremation, her ashes will be buried alongside her family in Red Bay City Cemetery, reserving a portion to bless the Mountains and Rivers she loved.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Deaton Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements of the ceremony.

Condolences can be left at www.deatonfuneralhomes.com

En lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Fund or First United Methodist Church Youth Fund.

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