Bonnie Arabella Jones was born June 29, 1945, to the union of Hezekiah Roper Sr. and Sarah Fronta in Jackson, Michigan. Bonnie accepted Christ at an early age. In 1977, Bonnie relocated with her children to East Lansing, Michigan to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work at Michigan State University.
While there, she met her lifetime partner Dr. Wille D. Davis, Jr. who spent the next 45 years by her side. After their connection, Bonnie and Willie bonded the family ties by taking family vacations together when the children were young and going to the Williams/Davis family reunion each year for over 40 years.
Bonnie was employed for over 25 years at the state of Michigan as a social worker and was a faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church for over 45 years. She enjoyed singing in the choir and serving the Lord. Bonnie was active in the Lansing Association of Black Social Workers, Lansing Juneteenth Committee, The Potter-Walsh Neighborhood Association, and other local committees whose mission is to uplift people from disadvantaged environments.
Bonnie had a profound love of family–whether real or extended– and special friends–but her children were her proudest accomplishment. Loved by many – Bonnie lived her life with a passion and acceptance of all people and was an incredible example of kindness, strength, and resilience.
Bonnie leaves to cherish her memory her lifelong partner and the love of her life: Dr. Willie D. Davis, Jr.; six biological children: Lawrence D. Smith, Jr., Jacquelene (Julian) Passaway, Lori Smith, Kathleen Smith, Eric Smith, Sr., Ayana (Kevin) Allen; two adopted children: MyCaesha Jones and Andrea Jones; two bonus children: Willie D. Davis, IV, Dr. Wendolyn Davis; siblings: brother: David (Janet) Roper, sister: Denise Taylor; grandchildren: LeRondre, LeKendra, and LeQuan Cannon; Nathan, Michael, Sasha, and Christina Allen; Eric (Aleeah) Smith; Sharia Smith; Andreanna Smith and Myasha Smith; bonus grandchildren: Ray, Krystopher, Angelia, Solomon, several great-grandchildren, special great niece: Kiani Jones; special friend for over 72 years, Ada Neves, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents: Hezekiah Sr. and Sarah Roper; daughter: Debra Anne Roper, and brothers: Hezekiah Jr. and Stephen Roper.
Visitation was held on Friday, April 21st, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Paradise Funeral Chapel (1107 E Miller Rd, Lansing, MI 48911). A celebration of life was held on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 at 10:30 am at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (5200 Pleasant Grove Rd, Lansing, MI 48910). A graveside service was held on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Woodlawn Cemetery – Jackson (2615 Francis St, Jackson, MI 49203).
Publisher’s Note: We will miss Bonnie. We met her through the Association of Black Social Workers. She was always there to guide us to the individuals who could answer questions at events. Her smile was contagious and her spirit was always warm and inviting.
