Mother Verna Mae Bonner, 82, of Cowan, answered the Master’s call and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She is the wife of Bishop Willie L. Bonner, Jr., Jurisdictional Prelate, Tennessee Eastern Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction COGIC.

Mother Verna M. Bonner leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving and devoted husband, Bishop Willie L. Bonner, Jr.; her faithful and caring sons, Pastor Leo (Trina) Bonner and Ivan (Diane) Bonner; and her devoted and gracious daughter, Assistant Supervisor Tina D. Bonner. She also leaves behind the pride and joy of her life – her granddaughters, Takiyah McGee, Tamara (JaMichael) Thompson, and Tamia Bonner; and her great-grandchildren, Nickiyah, Marsay, and NaVera McGhee, and Zavion Thompson. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: David Brown, Benny Brown, Willie (Ola) Brown, Bobby Brown, Frank (Brenda) Brown, James (Shelia) Brown, Samuel Brown, Rose (Larry) Beasley, Warren Brown, and Effie (Jimmy) Burnette; three brothers-in-law, David Q. Bonner, Raymond (Dr. Gloria) Bonner, and Allen (Carmen) Bonner; six sisters-in-law, Lula (Sammy) Laster, Bettie (Jesse) Simmons, Phyllis (Earnest, Jr.) Lee, Audrey T. Fitzgerald, Brenda (Frank) Brown, and Deborah (Edwin) Wamsley; devoted nieces, Dana L. Brown, Patricia Burks-Jelks, Vanessa Richardson, Nona Hendon, and Shannon Burks; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. – noon at New Hope COGIC (300 Cowan Street East, Cowan, TN 37318) with the Funeral service immediately following at noon with Bishop Joseph Fisher, officiating and Bishop Felton Matthew Smith, Jr. as eulogist. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to New Hope COGIC, Attention: VMB Scholarship Fund, 310 Davis Street, Cowan, Tennessee 37318. Online condolences may be shared at www.weltonfuneralhome.com.

J.A. Welton & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Feb. 22, 2026