Lila Jane Strickler Bonner

Lila Jane Strickler Bonner, beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, entered our heavenly home on September 14, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on March 19, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama, Lila was the daughter of Stanley Robert Strickler, Sr. and Mazie Voncile Roberts Strickler. She grew up in Tanner Williams and graduated from Baker High School in Mobile. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, Thomas “Rickie” Bonner. Rickie once told his friends, upon seeing her at a basketball game, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” On July 10, 1964, they began a 61-year marriage marked by faith, devotion, and love.

Lila and Rickie built their life together in Mississippi, first settling along Highway 614 in Moss Point just after marriage, and later returning to that same beloved community in 2021. Along the way, Lila pursued her calling as an educator, graduating from the University of South Alabama with a degree in elementary education and spending her career teaching and nurturing young children. She was known for her warmth, her faith, and her ability to make each child feel seen and valued.

Family was the heart of Lila’s life. She and Rickie raised two children, Susan and John-Stanley, and she delighted in her role as “Maw Maw” to her grandsons Seth Reeves, Calen Bonner, and Braydon Banashak. She loved sewing, cooking, preparing for new babies, cheering on her children and grandchildren, and creating a home where everyone felt welcome. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a faithful member of Roberts Chapel who lived out her values daily. Together with Rickie, she enjoyed camping at Gulf Shores, traveling, spending time on the family farm, and being active in church life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Robert Strickler, Sr. and Mazie Voncile Roberts Strickler; her brother Stanley “Sonny” Strickler, Jr. (June); and her sister Marion Hope Hatchett (Louis).

Lila is survived by her husband of 61 years, Thomas Rickie Bonner; daughter Susan (Rob) Brandon; son John-Stanley (Tiffany Worth) Bonner; grandchildren Seth Reeves, Calen Bonner, and Braydon Banashak; her brother Darryl Ray Strickler (Gail Amis); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Visitation will be Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Roberts Chapel. The Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 PM with Bro. Jimmy Wiggins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Moments Funeral Home of Lucedale, Mississippi, with gratitude for their compassionate service.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gentivia Hospice for their tender care. A special and deeply personal thanks is also given to Debra Allgood, who cared for Lila with tireless devotion and became like family to us. Her presence was truly a gift from God, and we will always treasure the love and compassion she poured into our lives.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” – Proverbs 31:28

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.