SR1113 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1113 LRB103 41310 LAW 74528 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Pearly Mae Bonds of Peoria, who passed away on June 29, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Pearly Bonds was born to Oscar Stinson Sr. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Stinson in Curve, Tennessee on October 4, 1923; she married T.R. Bonds in Caruthersville, Missouri on October 31, 1942; and

WHEREAS, Pearly Bonds was a dedicated civil rights leader in Peoria for over 50 years; she was instrumental in the City of Peoria donating the NAACP building, and her efforts were publicly celebrated when the building was renamed the Pearly M. Bonds Community Center in 2014; she was one of the founding visionaries of Peoria's African American Hall of Fame Museum in 1987, where she served as a mentor and adviser to museum leaders and was inducted in March 1996; and

WHEREAS, Pearly Bonds committed to her faith at an early age; she attended Friendship Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, and Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Peoria, where she was a member for over 50 years and served in many capacities, including as a pastoral advisor, pastor's aide, steward, and choir member; she also founded the Willing Workers Club, was a member of the Wilberforce Club, and led several voter registration drives at church and in the community over the years; and

WHEREAS, Pearly Bonds received many accolades, including the NAACP 25 Years or More Service Diploma in July 1984, a Certificate of Recognition from the Harrison Youth Center in April 1992, the Rosa Parks Award from the King Holiday Committee of Peoria in January 2009, the Valeska S. Hinton Human Rights Award from the YWCA of Peoria in May 2010, and a Certificate of Recognition for Dedicated Christian Service as an Usher from the United Usher Board of Peoria in June 1997; and

WHEREAS, Pearly Bonds was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Theresa "Terry" Bonds; her brothers, Joseph E. Graves, Eddie Stinson, and William Stinson; and her sisters, Virginia Stinson Donaldson, Girtie B. Phillips, and Maggie L. Jamison; and

WHEREAS, Pearly Bonds is survived by her son, James Bond; her grandchildren, Carlos Metts, Teon Metts, D'Mir Henderson, Kristopher Poynter, and Avante' Bond; 10 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Lillian Crooks and Alice Montine Brown; her brother, Joseph Bedford (Marlene) Stinson; and a host of other family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Pearly Mae Bonds and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pearly Bonds as an expression of our deepest sympathy.