Minnie Ozella (Smith) Bonds of Elm Park, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, February 15, 2020, in her home with her loving family by her side. Minnie was born January 31, 1941, to Andrew and Irene (Jones) Smith in Elm Park, Arkansas. She was 79 years old.
At a very young age, Minnie met what would become the love of her life, Bobby Bonds. They grew up knowing each from the neighborhood, Minnie and Bobby became best friends, companions and eventually married enjoying 61 years as husband and wife. The love they had for each other spilled over into their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As the baby of 6 and the only girl, It was just natural for Minnie to be loving and caring. She was the very personification of a doting wife, mother and grandmother. Minnie was a terrific cook and passed that talent onto her daughter and granddaughters. She was notorious for gifting her Christmas candy. She could be found at ball games any time her children played and then later in life, her grandchildren. It’s been said that as fun loving and sweet as Minnie was, she did not hesitate “to tell you what she thought” from the bottom of her heart. Although Minnie had lots of love for everyone, her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she treasured the time she got to spend with them.
Minnie leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Bobby Gene Bonds, one daughter, Tammie Jean Gray of Greenwood, Arkansas and one son, Bobby Eugene Bonds of Charleston, Arkansas. Granny will forever be missed by her grandchildren: Michael Gray, Samantha Jones, Paige Spann, Allison Gray, Cameron Bonds and Madalyn Knight as well as her 8 great grands: Liam Gray, Braxton Jones, Kason Jones, Adaleigh Murphy, Rylea Spann, Tristen Spann, Madisyn Spann and Brinleigh Spann. She is also survived by one brother Jackson Smith of Greenwood, Arkansas. Minnie will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to her heart.
Minnie was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Irene Smith, and her brothers: Billy Smith, Buddy Smith, JL Smith and Leonard Smith.
Minnie’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the Packsaddle Community Church in Packsaddle, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson and Rev. JL Bonds officiating. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Minnie’s pallbearers will be Billy Spann, Michael Gray, Justin Jones, Chris Williams, Jeff Bonds and Cameron Bonds. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Henderson, DJ Pyles, Rex Rhodes, Robert Wilkinson, Leon Dodson and Donnie Shank.
Minnie’s visitation will be Tuesday, February 18, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
