News Summary
Memphis honors Edna Earle Bond, a devoted educator who spent 39 years in the schools, pioneering programs and contributing to the community. Her legacy of passion for education and service will continue to inspire future generations. Bond’s work in various educational settings and her dedication to youth and community service have made a lasting impact in Memphis.
Memphis Honors Edna Earle Bond: A Legacy in Education
Memphis is celebrating the impactful life and career of Edna Earle Bond, a renowned educator who dedicated 39 years to teaching in Memphis City Schools and served as an integral part of educational initiatives in the community. Bond passed away recently, leaving behind a significant legacy that has shaped the lives of countless students.
Known for her passion for education and community service, Bond was a long-time resident of Indigo Riverview in Downtown Memphis, where she lived for 54 years. She earned her degrees from Tennessee State University and The University of Memphis, which laid the foundation for her impressive career in education. Over the years, Bond held various roles, including working for the Dean of Faculty at Tennessee State University and serving in different capacities at the Memphis TVA Allen Steam Plant and for Federal Judge Odell Horton during the pivotal 1968 Sanitation Strike.
In the classroom, Bond was particularly recognized for her involvement in pioneering educational programs. She contributed to the establishment of Memphis City’s first alternative school, the Occupational Emphasis Program, which was designed to offer specialized learning opportunities for at-risk students. Furthermore, her career extended into adjunct teaching for 43 years at respected institutions such as Southwest Tennessee Community College, St. Agnes Academy, and The University of Memphis.
Beyond her teaching role, Edna Earle Bond was actively engaged in community leadership and service. She served as an Evaluation Team Member for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, assisting various schools in cities including Jackson, Huntsville, Charleston, and Ashland to improve their academic standards. Bond also held positions within the Memphis Education Association, contributing as a Faculty Representative and Chairperson for the Human Relations Committee.
Bond’s commitment to the youth extended to working with the homeless, as she was a board member of Final Net, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless children. Her influence was felt throughout the community as she taught for the Memphis Literacy Council and worked as a Decisions Training Counselor at the Shelby County Correction Center.
In addition to her educational contributions, Bond was involved in religious education within the community. She served as a Religious Education Consultant for St. Mary Catholic Church and took on important roles at St. Peter Catholic Church, including RCIA Coordinator and Director of Religious Education. Her holistic approach to education and community service exemplifies her dedication to holistic development.
Bond was known for her engaging conversations and her love for asking questions that sparked intellectual discussions. Her colleagues and students fondly remember her as someone who emphasized the importance of generosity and encouraged others to “Pass It On” even amidst life’s challenges. She was a proponent of creating connections, urging individuals to see beyond the surface and foster deeper relationships.
She shared wisdom through inspirational reflections, encouraging others to appreciate familial bonds and live a life in harmony with God and others. Her messages serve as lasting reminders of peace, connection, and the importance of fostering a community where everyone feels valued.
Edna Earle Bond leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate in the Memphis educational community. Her commitment to education, leadership, and community service has made a lasting impact, ensuring that her influence will be felt for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- The Tennessee Tribune: Edna Bond Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Franklin Lott Obituary
- Faulkner Funeral Home: Jacquelyn Schultz Obituary
- Legacy.com: Edna Fisher Grafton Obituary
- McCullough Funeral Home: Franklin Dean Jr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Edna Earle Bond
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google Scholar: Edna Earle Bond
- Google News: Edna Earle Bond
