Hundreds of grateful Michigan State University students were put on the right career and academic paths by Mrs. Jevelyn Ann Lynch Bonner, who died June 15, 2022, at age 89 surrounded by her family. Mrs. Bonner worked at MSU as an academic advisor for over 22 years and went the extra mile for her students. She retired in 1998 as a senior academic advisor at the university.

She was born in Columbus, Ohio and was raised by her parents, Dr. Herston Lynch and Mrs. Beadie Lynch, and was the only girl of their six children. She graduated from East High School and then went on to earn a degree in social work at the Ohio State University (1954). Mrs. Bonner was a lifelong Buckeyes fan and rooted for OSU except when they faced her beloved Spartans. Her first job after college was at the Welfare Department of Cleveland, OH, where she met the love of her life, Ralph Bonner. They were married in August 1955 in Columbus, OH.

MSU became her first love shortly after moving from Columbus (1965) with her late husband Dr. Ralph W. Bonner who became the founding executive director of the Lansing Urban League and later worked at Michigan State University as a tenured professor and administrator. Mrs. Bonner became a Spartan at heart after earning a Master's degree at Michigan State (1975) in academic counseling and then joining the staff of the university in the academic advising department (1976).

Serving the community was important to Mrs. Bonner, which led her to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1953 (Theta Chapter) while an undergraduate student at Ohio State. Upon moving to Lansing, she was an active member of the Delta Tau Omega chapter of the sorority for decades. She later went on to become a charter chapter member of three national organizations: the Lansing-East Lansing Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, the Greater Lansing Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Chi Epsilon Omega Chapter in East Lansing. She earned the distinction of a Pearl Soror in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and was a Platinum member of the Links, Incorporated. She was also a long time member of Friendship Baptist Church of Lansing.

She was a staple at Spartan football and basketball games and often traveled to see MSU play at the Rose Bowl, Sun Bowl and in Final Fours. Anyone up for a good game of bridge? Mrs. Bonner was always game. She enjoyed playing with a multicultural bridge group.

She is survived by: her brother, Hugh Lynch (Jeanette); her five children, Ralph H. Bonner, Adrienne Foster (Terry), Gayle Bonner, Derek Bonner (Sarah) and Jevelyn Denise Bonner-Reed (Alfred); grandchildren, Paige, Bryce, Celine, Brandon, Derek T., Devon, Vaughn, and Rafael; and great-grandchild, Mateo. She is also survived by: brother-in-law, Alonzo Anthony; sister-in-law, Gwen Lynch (Orville); a special cousin-in-law, Dr. Leland K. Hall, Sr.; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mrs. Bonner was preceded in death by: her husband of 57 years, Dr. Ralph W. Bonner; parents, Dr. Herston Lynch and Beadie Lynch; brothers and their wives, Amos Lynch (Gerri), Nelson Lynch (Mary), Dr. Orville Lynch, and David Lynch; nephew, Amos Lynch Jr. (Dorothy); niece, Marie Hunter; and her many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The public viewing is on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 2-6pm at Riley Funeral Home (426 W. St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933). A Celebration of Life Service is Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 11-12:30pm at her beloved Friendship Baptist Church (2912 Pleasant Grove, Lansing, MI 48911).

In lieu of food or flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Cancer Society in the memory of Mrs. Jevelyn Bonner. The Bonner family is also creating a scholarship in the name of Dr. Ralph W. and Jevelyn A. Bonner to be launched in the near future.

Arrangements for Mrs. Bonner are as follows: