A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF Dorothy Nelson Bonner OF Clarendon COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER LOVING FAMILY AND HER MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Dorothy Nelson Bonner at the age of eighty-eight on Monday, February 24, 2025; and

 

Whereas, born in Manning on December 26, 1937, she was the daughter of Leon and Clotell Harvin Nelson, one of nine children, and she was educated in the Manning public school system, graduating from high school in June 1955; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Bonner received Christ at an early age at Laurel Hill African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, where she maintained a lifetime membership. She loved her church family, served on various committees, and delighted in working with the Children's Sunday School Ministry. She was always willing to help whenever and wherever she was needed, especially with the Missionary Society. In November 2022, she received an Appreciation Award for dedicated service from Laurel Hill A.M.E. Church, which she treasured; and

 

Whereas, she was active at Laurel Hill until her declining health led to her moving in with her daughter in Maryland where she joined Ebenezer A.M.E. Church of Fort Washington while living in Maryland. Her beloved niece Rhoda Beachum of Clinton, Maryland, was her caregiver; and

 

Whereas, in November 1955, she married Walter A. Bonner, and from that union two children were born, Eleanor LaVern and the late Paul Benjamin. Mrs. Bonner moved to Washington, D. C., where she raised her two children and was an active member of Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church; and

 

Whereas, she held various jobs and retired from ADT Security company as a computer operator in 1994. Upon retiring, she returned to Manning to care for her mother until her mother's death; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Bonner was a caring, compassionate, and patient person who was always quick to praise the young and old. She had a way of listening to everyone without judgment and seeing the good of which they were capable.  Many appreciated her beautiful smile, warm personality, inviting disposition, sense of humor, and positive words of encouragement. She earned the title of "Favorite Aunt" and led her nieces and nephews to believe they were each her favorite; and

 

Whereas, whenever a family member was sick or in need, she was there in thought, word, and often in deeds. She enjoyed planting flowers, cooking great meals, walking five miles per day, and spending time with family and friends before her health declined; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Bonner was blessed with the affection of three loving grandchildren: Michael Mullen of Largo, Maryland; Charles Mullen of Waldorf, Maryland; and the late Natosha Adams. She enjoyed playing with her two great-grandchildren, Aurora and Roman Mullen of Waldorf, Maryland; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life of Dorothy Bonner, a life sustained by prayer, and for the example of warmth and kindness she set for all who knew her. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Dorothy Nelson Bonner of Clarendon County and extend their deepest sympathy to her loving family and her many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dorothy Nelson Bonner.

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