Francis Paul Bonds Jr.

Francis Paul Bonds, Jr., affectionately called “Junior” 51 of Great Mills, MD peacefully departed this life after receiving his crown and wings at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC on Friday, December 20, 2019. He was surrounded by his devoted wife Linda, stepchildren, and siblings at the time of his death. Francis was born on May 12, 1968, to Margaret Regina Bonds and the late Francis Paul Bonds, Sr.

Francis was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD and graduated from Leonardtown High School in 1986. He developed a very strong work ethic at a young age, as a result, he began his federal work career while in high school at the Patuxent River Naval Base, later he transitioned to the U.S. Veterans Service Administration, Cemetery Division, Washington, D.C., and eventually ending his career working as a Paralegal for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of General Counsel. His career as a federal public servant spanned over 30 years until his health began to decline, and he retired in 2015. He used his expertise as a Paralegal to help others in the St. Mary’s County, MD community to assist with small claims and other legal matters. Francis also served as a Notary Public, as such he notarized legal documents, contracts, etc. He also had a knack for real estate, compiling and filing Federal and Maryland income taxes for his clients. His favorite quote was “Georgetown University taught me a lot and served me well”.

On September 2, 2002, Francis married the love of his life, Linda Marie Daye, in Leonardtown, MD. Francis and Linda, together they raised three children (Shalita (Lee Lee), Jerry (Poo) and Barry) and which he was extremely proud of and often mentioned. He also raised Crystal Solomon a family member as his own child from early childhood, into a young adult. Francis also was proud of being a grandparent to his grandchildren Trevon Nunley, Melik Hillian, Kilem Hillian, Joseph (JoJo) Reed, and Sebastian Hillian and simply loved being called Pop Pop Junior, it truly made his day.

Francis was an outspoken, kind-hearted man, who enjoyed life. He devoted his life to his immediate and extended family and friends; especially his beloved mother Ms. Margaret Regina Bonds, his sisters Dorothea (Wee Wee), Theresa Ann, Cynthia, his brothers Joseph (Butchie) and Michael, and also his paternal Aunt Angela Dias, and maternal Aunt Susie who moved from Texas to Maryland to be near her immediate family members. He also enjoyed the weekly Monday meals served by Aunt Artina Miles. Francis was also instrumental in assisting his young and mature family members with financial advice and guidance, housing, medical appointments, and in whatever capacity was needed.

Francis pastimes included planning social events, breaking bread with his extended family for the holidays, traveling to his happy place the Rod and Reel, Chesapeake Beach, MD and Atlantic City, NJ. He also enjoyed working in the community as a public servant, serving as a member on several boards to include the St. Mary’s County Branch NAACP, Unit #7025, he was a member of the St. Mary’s County Democratic Club, he worked as a Chief Democratic Judge and Poll worker at the local voting precincts, he served on the board of the Dinah K. Somerville Scholarship Foundation, and he attended and participated in local Town Halls that focus consisted of advocating for a community center in St. Mary’s County, MD youths.

Enjoying his retirement, he still continued his community service efforts and volunteering, working a couple of days of the week in Maryland Delegate Brian Crosby’s local office, watching Court tv and politics, and dabbling in real estate and Property Management.

Francis loved the Lord and was baptized a Catholic Christian as a young child and he spent a lifetime striving to walk in the likeness of the Lord. He was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Claver Catholic Church, St. Inigoes, MD.

Francis was preceded in death by his father Francis Paul Bonds Sr., his maternal and paternal grandparents, seven uncles, Joseph F. Miles, William Miles, Lawrence Miles, Leonard Miles, Joseph Bonds, Earl Vincent Bonds, and Anthony Bonds and five aunts, Mary Ann Taylor, Cecelia Miles, Evelyn Wilson, Linda Mae Bonds and Judy Mae Bonds and a special friend Sylvia Ghee.

Francis leaves to remember and cherish his legacy his beloved wife of 17-years Linda Marie Bonds, his beloved mother Margaret Regina Bonds; four step-children Shalita Daye, Jerry Everette, Barry Hillian, and Crystal Solomon; his siblings Dorothea Kyles, Theresa Parker, Cynthia Yorkshire, Jackie Yorkshire, Robert (Bobby) Carter, Patricia Yorkshire, Sharon Williams, Joseph Swales, Sherman Woodland, Marcia Mulkey, Michael Fenwick and a host of others; nephew Eric Lee Robinson; nieces Jalyha Whitney Kyles, Jayla Whitley Makanalani Kyles; four Godchildren Aigner Bivins, Shawnese Taylor, Lakia Blackiston, and Christopher Thomas; special friends Toney Greene, Ronald Scriber, April Merriweather, Bernadette Miles, Selina Swales, Barbara Terrell, Bridgette Shay, David Lloyd, Ernestine Christian, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will unite on Saturday, December 28, 2019 for visitation at 9 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Peter Claver Church, 16922 Saint Peter Claver Road, St. Inigoes, MD 20684. Interment to follow at Holy Face Church cemetery, 20408 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD 20634.

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