Helena Louise Bonner-Bell

Departed this life, May 29, 2013, Helena Louise Bonner Bell of Richmond Virginia. Helena, affectionately known as “Honey Bun” and her childhood nickname “Caterpillar” was born on May 14, 1940 to Joshua Herbert Bonner, Sr. and Pauline Louise Lee Bonner of Richmond. She graduated from Armstrong High School in 1957 and completed her studies there at the age of 16. She grew up and Richmond Churchill neighbor good and attended Mount Olive Baptist Church. She was often a lead soprano soloist in the church choir. After high school she attended both Virginia Union University and Virginia State University on scholarships for math and music and was a soloist in both University choirs. While in college, she also participated in a sit-in staged by hundreds of Virginia Union student at Thalhimer’s Department Store in downtown Richmond an image of which appeared in Times and Life magazines. Helena would hold various positions with Richmond Public Schools, Lee Industries, The Colonnade Room and United Bank. She was an excellent cook and her signature dishes and seafood salad and sweet potato pie were renowned. She was an avid bowler who taught classes at Cool Lane. She was a math whiz and enjoyed watching the trivial show Jeopardy! She was an expert card player and enjoyed playing nearly every card game imaginable. Music would play an important role throughout her life as she was a pianist and organist, who sang at many funerals and weddings. In addition, she taught her children and other how to appreciate music, harmonize and perform. She is survived by a daughter, Theda Bonner and a son Oliver Bell, both of Richmond and a daughter Tiiana Ellis of Boston, Mass. She is survived by devoted companion of 28 years, Tony Ellis of Richmond. She is also survived by four grandchildren Teal Bachelor, Shanelle Bell, Jasmine Brame, Alana Bell, and two adopted grandchildren, Ehricka Brame and Domeesha Harris, all of Richmond. She is survived by five nieces, Toni Chism of Baltimore, Maryland, Mattie White of Cape Cod, Mass., Gertrude Bonner of Los Angeles, California, Guandalena Thompson of Baltimore Maryland and Elaine Tompkins of Silver Spring, Maryland, five nephews, Gerald Bonner of San Diego, California, Vonzelle Saunderlin of Pasadena California, Tony Bonner of Los Angeles, California, Johnny Bonner of San Diego, California and E. Ronald Dickerson of New Jersey. She is survived by one sister-in-law Beulah Saunderland of Baltimore, Maryland. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Joshua Bonner, Jr. and a son, Leslie O'Neal Bell. She is also survived by two nieces Lorraine Barnett and Andrea Jackson. Helena will be remembered by her family as a women who lived her life on her own terms. With an infectious smile, impeccable dress and engaging personality that reflected both a jokester who wanted to make others laugh and an air of diplomacy which allowed her to approach nearly any negative situation with grace and charm. She will be remembered for raising not only her own offspring, but for serving as a mother to many near and far by offering selfless and unconditional love. As she approached her final days on Earth, she did not shed a tear and was concerned only with the welfare of her family. “God is going to take care of you all as I watch from above” she said.

Tributes

Helena Louise Bonner-Bell

May 14, 1940 - May 29, 2013