Herbert Lynn Bonner

Herbert Lynn Bonner, (63) of Lafayette County, Oxford, Mississippi was born November 13, 1958 to the late Reverend Cassie Edward Bonner, Sr. and Margurite Bonner. 

Herbert, raised in a spiritual and musical home at an early age learned to play piano.  He (along with his two older brothers Edward, Kenneth and younger sister Debra) started singing with their beloved father, the late Reverend Cassie Bonner, Sr. at revivals and other engagements. 

Herbert, loving the sound and styling of the late Reverend James Cleveland, developed his style of playing and directorship.  Upon graduating from Oxford High School, Herbert received a scholarship to Rust College where he recorded the hit single “Ring My Bell”, with Anita Ward. Being at Rust College, he developed an eye for talent and musicianship.  

Herbert was also a part of the Thomas A. Dorsey Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses/GMWA. Being Minister of Music at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church (CCMBC), playing at various churches in the communities abroad, Herbert selected several vocalists which formed Christian Unity Community Choir (CUCC). During this time, Herbert also collaborated with the University of Mississippi and the BSU choir under the direction of Norman Seawright, Jr. 

Herbert had a generous heart, especially for the younger generation who never realized their full musical potential and vocal talent.  He also had a special gift where he could ignite confidence in anyone he was working with. Herbert always had a song in his spirit and that song had the ability to touch thousands of people, not only in the State of Mississippi but across the country.

Herbert was a choir innovator trying something new in the community but never forgetting the traditional style of quartet and choir music by cleverly merging them together.  He gave to so many people, and he didn’t wait for the big bucks to do it. He gave with his God given talent and time. Herbert received numerous awards: “The James Cleveland Best New Artist Award”, “Stella Music Award Nomination”, “The Medgar Evers Peace Award” and several other awards from churches and communities for his dedication and musicianship.

Herbert leaves to cherish his fond memory; six loving and devoted siblings, Edward Bonner of Memphis, TN, Kenneth Bonner(Deborah) of Milwaukee, WI, Debra Bonner-Prather(Roy) of Kennesaw, GA,  Shelia Bonner-Allen(Michael) of Canton, GA,  Janice Bonner-Merryman of Cumming, GA, Cassie Edward Bonner, Jr.(Kimesha) of Oxford, MS and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

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