Amos Stephen Bonner Succumbs: Life’s Reflections
Amos Stephen Bonner was born June 8, 1935 in Beaufort County, Carolina. He was one of eight children born to the late Zebedee and Della Bonner. He was baptisted and received confirmation at Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Washington, North Carolina, and later graduated from Mother of Mercy High School. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served two years in Austria and Germany. After his discharge, he attended North Carolina Central University on the G.I. bill, graduating in 1959.
He was employed by the Broward School Board in 1961 and began a distinguished 36 year career as an educator at Lanier Jr. High School in Hallandale, Florida. There he met his love, Bessie Allen. They were married and were blessed with two wonderful children, daughters Irma Denise Roberts and Kimberly Marie Bonner. He served as principal of Dillard High School and served district level administrative positions until his retirement in 1997.
Amos was involved in many community programs throughout his career. He was appointed by Governor Bob Graham to two-four year terms as a commissioner of the North Broward Hospital District; he also served on the Code Enforcement Board for the City of Coral Springs.
After his retirement, he continued to serve his community as a volunteer for the Guardian Litem program, Coral Spring Medical Center as a Detention Minister and Lector for Saint Andrew Catholic Church.
Amos is survived by his wife Bessie, daughters Denise and Kimberly, granddaughter Danielle Roberts; sisters Loretta Patton and Carolina Grayson, both of Baltimore. Maryland and a host of nieces and nephews.
