Mary Mead-Boyd

Mary Lethia “Bonnie” Mead-Boyd was born to the union of 
Edward Mead, Sr., and Freddie Mae Johnson-Mead in Chicago, Illinois. 
She came into the world on April 7, 1947, the day a er Easter Sunday. 
Someone commented that “she’s an Easter Bunny Baby.” And it was that 
casual remark that would lead the name “Bunny” to later transform 
lovingly into “Bonnie.”  e name was so a ectionately bestowed upon 
her by family, friends, and all those who knew her well.
Her formal education consisted of time spent at Saint Charles Borromeo 
Catholic Elementary School, Washington Irving Public School, and 
Richard T. Crane High School. Bonnie later graduated from MSTA 
Business College.
Bonnie gave birth to Fredrick Mead on January 7, 1966. She was married 
to Joseph Boyd on December 30, 1968, and they were blessed with the 
birth of their daughter, Jennifer Mead, on June 24, 1967. Later, she met 
Richard Banks while working at EKCO Products Co., and their most 
treasured child, Eric Banks, was born on June 1, 1974. She was the 
proud mother of her three beautiful children, and with endearment and 
attentiveness, she dedicated her life to providing, caring, nurturing, 
and loving them.
Being of a gregarious nature, she lived her life to the fullest. She met all 
of life’s endeavors with honesty and a passion to succeed.
Bonnie worked at EKCO Products Co. in Chicago. she also spent time 
as an phone operator for a public relations call center. Bonnie also loved 
babysitting everyone’s children. She raised generations of children.
Bonnie accepted God and was baptized on August 2, 1999, at First New 
Life Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend John R. 
Parker. While serving, she was an Sunday school teacher and secretary 
and Helping Hand Ministry. Mother Mary continued her leadership 
under Pastor Kirk L. Gayton, where she devoted many years on the 
Mother’s Board and sincere service at the food pantry. Bonnie loved 
God, adored all her family, and she was faithful and trustworthy to 
friends and her community. She provided them with a legacy for love, a 
sense of humor, and a zest for life.
Bonnie departed this journey on September 14, 2022. She was preceded 
in death by her father, Edward Mead, Sr.; mother, Freddie Mae 
Mead; close cousin/sister, Barbara Martin; ex-husband, Joseph Boyd; 
signi cant other, Richard Banks; as well as Richard Banks, Jr., Jonell 
Banks, Gwendolyn Banks-Hatchette, and Marinetta Mead.
She leaves to cherish her memory: siblings, Edward Jr. (Karen), Cora 
(Calvin), Frank (Catherine), Anthony Sr. (Joanne), and Anita; children, 
Gary, Freeman (Lillian), Fredrick (Annette), Betty, Deborah (the late 
Larry), Jennifer, Eric Sr. (Sequita); eleven grandchildren, Fredrick, 
Monique, Tavares (Tameka), Eddie, Jameka, Aaron, Annette, Petite, 
Jesse, Aisha, and Eric Jr.; twenty great-grandchildren; special niece, 
Iona Evans; special nephews, Norvell Smith and Norman Smith; best 
friends, Mary Bell and Sarah Jackson; special friends, Minne  ompson 
and Brenda Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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