BOND, Sarah June Stephens Sarah June Stephens Bond passed from her earthly home to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior on April 15, 2016. She lived her life as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, living her final days at home with her family. She was born August 22, 1930 in Valdosta, Georgia and named after her mother and grandmother. She married William C. Bond Sr. on June 8, 1952 and was a devoted and loving wife for 58 years. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents Paul B. and Jeanne Stephens; her infant son; and her brothers Paul B. Stephens Jr. (Elizabeth), Roscoe L Stephens (Annie Lee), Jean W. Stephens; and niece Nancy Stephens Ziehr (Allen). Their marriage was blessed by four children; Rev. William Bond Jr. (Rae), Eileen Bond Laudadio (Frank), David K. Bond (Karla), and an infant son who died at birth. She is survived by grandchildren Paul Daniel Bond, J.D. (Eryn), John-Michael Bond (Emily), Shawn Michael Allen (Katie), Matthew Keith Bond (Taylor), Alyson Bond Young (Garrison), Vittoria Parker (Dave), and Jennifer Laudadio, M.D. (Ethan); and two great-grandchildren, Sophia Faith and Bryce Andrew Parker; sister-in-law Louise Stephens; niece Sarah Lynn Smith, DNP, CNM; and nephews Paul D. Stephens (Libby) and John W. Stephens (Shannan). June graduated from Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, Tennessee in 1952 where she was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and earned her Bachelor Science's degree in Elementary Education. She was a teacher in the states of Florida and Georgia, most recently in Cobb County at Dodgen Middle School where she retired after 25 years in 1995. June was an active member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and the Friendship Sunday School Class where she served faithfully in multiple ministries of the church for the glory of God. She left a legacy that taught her family the importance of loving and depending on Jesus Christ. Her love for Christ was evident in all who knew her. The family wishes to express their heartfelt love and appreciation to Lynn Petras who served as a faithful and special friend since 2007. Additionally, the family is deeply appreciative of Tina Lamb who provided friendship, spiritual support, and care for June over the past few months. The family would also like to thank the loving and compassionate staff at Hickory Valley Retirement, NHC Health Care, Gracemont Assisted Living, and Embracing Hospice. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, April 22nd from 4pm-7pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 23rd at 11am at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel where the service will be officiated by her son Rev. William Bond Jr. and Dr. Bill Owens with eulogies by her daughter Eileen Laudadio and son David Bond. Following the funeral service, family and friends will gather at12:30pm for the burial at Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers are her grandsons (Paul Daniel Bond, John-Michael Bond, Shawn Michael Allen, and Matthew Keith Bond), her nephews (Paul D. Stephens and John W. Stephens); and her grandnephews (Douglas Stephen Smith and Stephen Allen Ziehr). Honorary pallbearers are members of her Ridgedale Baptist Church Friendship Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421. Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee. 423-698-2541. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 17, 2016