We celebrate the life of Ora Estelle Green Bonner, affectionately known as "Red", a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Ora met her appointment with the Lord on January 29, 2026, at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lurenia Green; and her sister, Sydna Green Tucker.

Ora was born on May 11, 1945, in Petersburg, VA. She graduated from Peabody High School with the Class of 1963 and established her family and a full, productive life in the Petersburg area.

Ora was a faithful member of Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC) in Petersburg, VA, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a very young age. She was a devoted servant, choosing her mission to guide the hearts and minds of children as a Sunday School teacher for decades. She provided fun, joy, simple outings to the store, and sometimes a little tough love, leading them to a foundation in Christ Jesus. She also served for many years as Treasurer of the WPC Women's Association. She initiated many projects over the years, including shoe drives for Sole to Sole, which collects footwear for children in Africa; leading the Little Dresses for Africa project (making dresses for girls); clothing drives for the local women's shelter; and other mission outreach efforts in support of children around the world.

Ora had a strong work ethic instilled by her parents. As a teenager, she did domestic work for area families and later worked for Petersburg Public Schools in the cafeteria. She proudly served as the first Black female meter maid hired by the Petersburg Police Department. In that role, she endured many years working outdoors in all kinds of weather. She also served as a school crossing guard, where her compassion and empathy for the children in the community grew even more.

She later took a position as Housing Manager for the Petersburg Housing Authority. She received her Certification in Housing Management for both the City of Petersburg and the State of Virginia. Ora supervised offices in multiple housing properties, including Pecan Acres, again serving love and light whenever she could to residents in need.

Always advocating for children, Ora enjoyed her work with the 70001 Ltd. program, a 1980s pilot project that grew into an organization for youth employment. She also served as a 4-H program leader for neighborhood and community children, taking them on trips and providing educational activities. Her love for children was undeniable in the way she lived her life.

As always, in support of her family, she worked managing Crater Square Apartments, as a clerk at Joann Fabrics, on the production line at Pre-Con Inc., as a technician at Nails by Delores salon, and even upholstered furniture, which tied into her true passion: sewing.

Ora famously used her talents as a seamstress, trained by her mother, to create her own fashions and designs for herself, family, and friends. She received formal training in tailoring at Virginia State University as well. Soon, she was able to open her own successful business, Bonner's Sewing Boutique , in downtown Petersburg.

Later, her career led her to a position with the Virginia State Child Support Enforcement Agency, where she continued championing the needs of children. She retired from the agency and continued her "forever" passion as a seamstress.

Ora leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 62 years, Bossie Bonner; her daughter, Patrice A. "Bonnie" Bonner; and her granddaughter, Stefani Joelle Bonner. She is also survived by three sisters, Mary G. Brown (Walter Sr.), Wilhelmena G. Hailes, and Crystal L. Green; two brothers, William D. Green, Jr. and Lawrence E. Green (Patricia); two sisters-in-law, Barbara B. Todd and Jacqueline B. Smith; brother-in-law Fred L. Tucker, lifelong friends, Alice Gray, Patsy Jones, Mary Hill, and Earline H. Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godchildren, and many, many dear friends. Red's love, spirit, and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Second Presbyterian Church, 419 West Washington Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Ulysses S. Payne, Pastor/eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

A wake will be held from 7:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Monday, February 9, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5722411?fl=so&fe=fs