Mrs. Geneva Laverne Bonner Carter was born to the late Pete Bonner and Ella Akers Bonner in Troup County, Georgia on September 5, 1928. She was the baby of 15 children born to this union and naturally became the apple of her siblings’ eyes. She was affectionately called “Gee” by her many relatives and friends. She transitioned from this life on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at her residence in Lanett, Alabama.
Geneva attended public schools in Chambers County and graduated from Tenth Street High School in West Point, Georgia. After high school, she completed her freshman year at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She later transferred to Alabama State University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in secondary education majoring in science (physics and chemistry). She did further studies and science foundation workshops at Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee (Institute) University, Alabama State University and Columbia University in New York.
Geneva began a long career as a public school teacher after graduating from college. She taught for many years at Rehobeth High School in Fairfax (Valley), Alabama. After integration, she was transferred to LaFayette High School where she remained until she retired with over 30 years of service. She then went back to work for a few more years at Valley High School in Valley, Alabama. She also worked as a substitute teacher in the Lanett City School System for many years until she decided to give it up. She has served as a teacher and mentor to many people in this community.
Geneva was deeply rooted with a strong spiritual foundation and accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age. She joined the St. John Baptist Church and remained a very faithful and active member for over 80 years until her health started declining about two months ago. She has served in many capacities over the years. She was a member and President of the Senior Choir, Chairperson of the Matrons Auxiliary, Youth Supervisor of the Crusaders, Director of Vacation Bible School, Sunday School Teacher and Church Clerk. She was currently serving as a member of the Trustee Board, Assistant Church Clerk, member of the Deacons Wives Auxiliary, and one of the Lesson Facilitators for the General Missionary Society.
She was united in holy matrimony to Deacon Freeman Carter, Jr. for over 50 years who preceded her in death. No biological children were born to this union, but she has helped many of her nieces and nephews reach their goals in life often by helping to send them to college.
Geneva was initiated into Theta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in LaGrange, Georgia in 1971. She later helped to organize and become a charter member of Lambda Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Lanett, Alabama in 1976 and she has been very active every year since her initiation. She was one of the oldest sisters in the chapter and a Silver Soror.
She was also a member of the AD Robinson Chapter #544 Order of Eastern Stars in Valley, Alabama and a former member of the Fairfax Civic Club.
She was preceded in death by all of her 14 sisters and brothers. She loved her family very much and had made plans earlier to attend the Bonner Family Reunion July 22-24, 2016 in Florence, Alabama. Her failing health prevented her from going.
Her memories will forever be engraved in the hearts of her loved ones: a nephew/caregiver whom she helped to rear as a son, Quentin A. Reed, Lanett, AL; nieces/caregivers Aleatha J. King, Lanett, AL, Deborah Johnson, West Point, GA; great nieces/caregivers Cantrece Nelson, Alysia King-Mwikuta, Lanett, AL; Ashley Bonner, West Point, GA; Jurea Govan, Valley, AL; her little helpers Cayla Nelson, Christopher King, Carington King, A’Maurie Bonner; nephews, John A. McCants, Sacramento, CA, Albert Williams, Columbus, OH; nieces, Marie Mills, Columbus, OH, Rosella Avery, Valley, AL, Audrey Bonner, Cincinnati, OH, Patricia Bonner, Lakewood, WA and Ella Bonner, Birmingham, AL and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.