Bond, Bernice (Age 98) of La Plata, Maryland.

And God said "Come unto me and welcome into my kingdom -- the kingdom of eternal life." So, on April 30, 2009, at 8:45 p.m., Mary Bernice Bond succumbed unto His call and departed this Earth to enter into a life of wellness, tranquility, and happiness.

Bernice was born on September 28, 1910 in Bel Alton, Maryland, to the late Mary Agnes Bond Butler -- she was the eldest of eleven children. She was educated in the Charles County Maryland Public School System and later attended Poro Beauty School, in Washington, D.C.

Bernice's dream was to become a licensed beautician. As a child in elementary school, she acquired a unique talent and passion to do hair. At that age it was a little difficult for her to reach the shampoo bowl and curl her client's hair, but she was such a determined young stylist that she used boxes as a stepping stool in order to get this done. Family members were her initial clientele. Growing older, she worked several jobs to finance her way through cosmetology school. Bernice successfully completed her course study and became a licensed beautician. Later, she became an entrepreneur in the cosmetology industry and opened the legendary Bond's Beauty Shop -- one of the first licensed black beauty salons in Charles County for many years.

She opened her home to many family members and friends. She was the pillar and caretaker of the family. Whenever someone was in need of anything, she ensured that their needs were met.

Her most enjoyable hobby was baking. Those scrumptious cakes and delectable rolls were second to none. Can't you just smell that lingering aroma and taste that luscious flavor even now? Yummy!

Bernice leaves to cherish her memory a loving, doting, and devoted son, John F. "Buster" Bond; a kindhearted and benevolent daughter-in-law, Irene Bond; granddaughters, Glenda Cross (Lawrence) and Beverly Butler (Donald); great grandchildren Shannon Cross, Lawrence Cross III, Kristin Butler, and Donald Butler III; great-great grandchildren Tyler and Hunter Cleaver and Rileigh Cross-Mendizabal; a caring sister and brother Agnes "Betty" Barnes (James) and Leo Butler (Ernestine); a compassionate aunt, Lelia Hicks and her children James "Mack" Hicks and Gloria Jefferson; a special cousin, Douglas "Simmie" Gray and family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing, Friday, May 8, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland from 8:30am until 10:15am. Mass of Christian Burial, 10:30am. Interment Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A.