Melvin Bonds

Melvin was born February 4, 1956 in Joliet, Illinois. He was born to Jessie Mae (McDonald) and Velus Bonds, Jr.  He quietly departed this life on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family.  He was a strong fighter for many years after he was diagnosed three different times with Cancer.  Bravely, he fought it each time and he passed away “Cancer Free”.  He was tired and he went home to get his rest.

Melvin spent his early childhood years in East St. Louis, Illinois. In 1961, the family relocated back to Joliet, Illinois. He confessed Christ at any early age and was baptized at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor James McNear.  He later joined Shiloh Baptist Church where he served as an Usher.

Melvin attended A.F. Hill and Fairmont Grade Schools and Lockport Central High School.  After graduation from high school, Melvin attended Illinois Benedictine University in Lisle, and Decatur, Illinois, where he majored in Business.  Later, he majored in Culinary Arts at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois.  Melvin worked at The Caterpillar in the cafeteria for a while and later he became the Head Cook/Chef at the Illinois Youth Commission.  

Melvin arrived home one day, to find it on fire and his son and daughter were inside.  He never considered the danger and heroically he went in to save his children.  His children were saved and released after a hospital stay.  Melvin was hospitalized for a week with smoke inhalation and burns.

Melvin was an avid reader and he enjoyed his Word Search Puzzle Books.  He had a talent of breaking down a Bible Scripture so that even the young children could understand the meaning.

Melvin was preceded in death by:  his maternal grandparents: Joanna (Thompson) and Anderson McDonald; paternal grandparents: Lular (DeWalt) and Velus Bonds, Sr.; his parents, Jessie Mae and Velus Bonds, Jr.; the love of his life and mother of his children, Shirley Adams; brothers, Mark and Otis; sisters, Belinda, Geraldine, Annie Jo, Dorothy, Patricia, Vera, and Elaine; a nephew Don L. Brown; and brothers-in-law, Earl Wright, Michael Shimizu, Joe Tucker Jr., Don L. Bolton, and Odell Morgan; and longtime loving family friends Johnny Seals and Sharon Fields.

Melvin leaves a loving family to cherish his memories.  He leaves in the care of The Almighty God; his son, Melvin (Jasmine) Adams of Rockford, IL, two daughters, Angelique Adams and Christina Adams of Joliet, IL; grandchildren, Yazmyn Hanson, Amani Allen, Aaliyah Hines, Donald Autman III, Marc’Asia Hollins, Ranahay Reese, Melanee Adams, Malia Adams, Serenity Reese, Aniya Duncan, Mariah Adamds, Ma’Lani Adams; great grandson, Tremayne Smith III

Melvin was blessed to be a part of a few blended families; his sisters, Annie Wright and Geneva Tucker (Darrell) Lyons of Joliet, IL; Deborah Floore of Bellwood, IL;  Janice Beasley of Nashville, TN; and Bessie Bee of Markham, IL; his brothers, Kevin (Tanya) Bonds of Danville, IL; Charles (Sharese) Bonds of Urbana, IL; Douglas Bonds of East St. Louis, IL; and Rev. Larry (Beverly) Bonds of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law, Diane Reed of Joliet, IL and Shirley Reed of Brooklyn Park, MN; his close friends, Michael (Belinda) Gholston and Diane Garner and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives. 

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