Patricia Bonner Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Dr. Patricia J. Bonner, 88, Johnson City, died Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Abundant Christian Living Community, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Pat was a native of Painesville, OH, and has been a resident of Milligan College and Johnson City since 1966. She was a daughter of the late Charles Leonard and Marie Estelle Burridge Bonner.

Pat was a 1953 graduate of Thomas W. Harvey High School in Painesville, then attended Milligan College, where in 1957 she received a Bachelor of Art Degree in History and Physical Education. She then received her Masters of Education from the University of Arizona, Tucson, in 1963, then returned to the Milligan area and attended Emmanuel School of Religion, receiving a Masters of Christian Education in 1970. Pat then attended George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and received an Education Specialist Degree in Adapted Physical Education and Special Education in 1975. She then attended Highland University in Banner Elk, NC, where she received her Doctorate in Education in 1979. Additionally, Pat studied at the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Colorado, and the University of Southern California.

Along her educational journey, Dr. Bonner taught in high schools and colleges in Tennessee, Ohio, Arizona and California before returning to Milligan College in 1966 where she was a Professor of Health and Physical Education for thirty-two years, also serving in various other roles, most notably coaching a variety of sports for both men and women, including women's basketball, gymnastics, fast and slow pitch softball, swimming, women's and co-ed volleyball, men's, women's and co-ed tennis, co-ed badminton and bowling. In addition to expanding women's sports at Milligan, Pat helped found the Tennessee College Women's Sports Federation in 1969, and served as President from 1978-82. Under her leadership, the federation's goal was achieved, strengthening Tennessee's athletic offerings for women, and resulting in numerous honors for Dr. Bonner, including "Outstanding Educators of America" and "Outstanding Women in America". In 1997, she became the first female inducted into Milligan's Athletics Hall of Fame. When Pat arrived at Milligan as a student in 1953, there were very few athletic options available to women. Today, as a result of her dedication and diligence, Milligan University boasts 17 women's teams with numerous conference and regional titles, as well as 10 national titles.

Dr. Bonner was also an active member of the National Intramural Sports Council, the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, the Intercollegiate Slow-pitch Softball National Committee, National Association of Physical Education in Higher Education, Southern Association of Physical Education for College Women, the Council for Exceptional Children, member and former President of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, the Milligan College Alumni Association, Emmanuel School of Religion Alumni Association, and First Christian Church, Johnson City, where she served in several capacities over the years, including Sunday school and circle teacher, Chairman of the Music Committee, Director of the Youth Choir, member of the Adult Choir, and member and Chair of the church's mission team.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Sam Greer, and nephew, Heinz Linnemann.

She is survived by her sister, Sally Bonner Greer, Johnson City; one niece, Suzanne Greer Linnemann, Johnson City; two nephews, Chad Greer and wife Cindy, Orlando, FL, Tommy Greer and wife Cay, Johnson City; four great-nephews, Chris Greer and wife Lindsay, Aaron Greer, Alexander Greer and wife Megan, Isaiah Greer and wife Allie; great-great-nieces and nephews, Kinsley, Jayda, Adeline, Anderson, Sarah, Aria and Oliver.

The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Teresa Davis, and those at Amedisys Hospice, especially Kim Brown, and the staff of Abundant Christian Living, for the wonderful care provided in Pat's time of need.

The funeral service celebrating Dr. Bonner's life will be conducted Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 4:30 P.M., in the Sanctuary of First Christian Church, 200 E. Mountcastle Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601. Ethan Magness, Minister, and Alexander Greer will officiate.

The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 3:00 – 4:30 P.M. Saturday.

The committal service will be held Sunday at 10:15 A.M. in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park, with Dr. Donald Mushayamunda, Minister, officiating. Those planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery by 10:10 AM Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pat Bonner Endowed Scholarship Fund, Milligan University, P.O. Box 750, Milligan, TN 37682.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Bonner family. (928-6111)