Miriam J. Bond

1929 - 2021

Miriam Joan "Jo" Bond was born on December 16, 1929 to Pearl Rhodes and Hazel Van Gundy Rhodes in London, Ohio. She left her beloved family peacefully on April 30, 2021 at age 91 with family and hospice in attendance.

In 1947, Miriam Joan Rhodes graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School, Dayton, OH. She was active in the glee club and sang with an ensemble "The White Cliffs of Dover" at her graduation. Jo married her future husband, Howard W. Bond, in Dayton, Ohio on December 16, 1947 (Jo's birthday) shortly after Howard's return from serving in the U.S. Navy in WWII. She and Howard were the proud parents of two sons, Wayne (1948) and Stephen (1951).

In 1970, Howard and Jo moved to Casselberry, Florida to begin a new adventure in a warmer climate. Jo joined The Wednesday Music Club of Orlando & Winter Park in 1971. It was through that association; Jo joined a group of five ladies who sang old standards with harmony called The Juliettes. She loved the many experiences they shared together entertaining others for sixteen years. In 1975, Jo joined The Liberty Bells, who sang patriotic songs with180 performances over a three-year run, celebrating the USA's bicentennial. Jo's love for the Music Club led her to serve as President for over 18 years. In 1987, Jo and Howard moved to Deland, FL where she continued actively participating in the Music Club.

As a member of the First United Methodist Church in Deland, FL, it was her joy to be a part of their choir and serving in other volunteer activities with her husband, Howard. They enjoyed many hobbies in their retirement; one of them was raising canaries. They also raised white pigeons for release at special events which included their granddaughter's wedding. Miriam and Howard celebrated 65 happy years together before his passing in 2013.

Jo is survived by her two sons and their spouses – Wayne Bond (Linda), Stephen Bond (Pam), one granddaughter, Danielle Selvaggi (Tom) and one great-granddaughter, Zoe Selvaggi. We have sweet memories together and remember her love and devotion to the Lord, her family and friends. She will be forever in our hearts!

Our family thanks the excellent and caring staff of Brookdale-Altamonte Springs and VITAS Healthcare who gave Miriam such expert care. We thank the many caring friends who called, prayed, visited and cheered her up with cards over the past few months. Arrangements are being handled by Lohman's Funeral Home, Deltona, FL – www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com . Inurnment at Deland Memorial Gardens to be determined by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: First United Methodist Church, 115 E. Howry Ave, Deland, FL 32724 or online at: fumcdeland.org for their ongoing ministries.