Bonita M. Fils - Obituary

On May 25, 1958, a child was added to the union of Cora and Kelton Stephenson and they named  her Bonita Michele. She accepted Christ  at the age of six and was baptized by the late Rev. M. V. Fletcher, Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she united and was active there throughout her childhood and young adult years.

Bonita attended public schools in the Houston Independent School District and graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1976, and went on to attend Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas where she majored in education. After two and half years there and while working at Memorial Southeast Hospital, she realized her true interest was in the medical field. Bonita enrolled in and graduated from the Memorial Hospital School of Radiologic Technology at the southwest campus in June 1982 and was board certified shortly afterwards by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). She was hired at Memorial Southwest Hospital after graduation.

That same year during a visit to her mother's childhood friend, Lillie Fils, in Lafayette, Louisiana, she met and later married her son, Calvin Fils on April 28, 1984. To this Union, twin sons were born, Byron Christoper and Gregory Elliott. Born prematurely with complications, Byron passed on November 28, 1985.

Bonita continued to work in radiology and completed her career as an instructor, helping students achieve their dreams at the Academy of Healthcare Professions in order to care for her mother. Bonita enjoyed hobbies such as photography, gardening, reading and traveling. In her spare time, she and her son Greg, volunteered with Interfaith Ministries, delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors throughout First Ward and The Heights areas of the city. At one time she and her family attended Lakewood Church, but later united with, and are current members, of Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Terry K. Anderson is Pastor.

Bonita is preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Calvin Fils, a son, Byron Christopher Fils, and her parents, Cora and Kelton Stephenson. She learns to mourn her death, her son, Gregory Fils. Bonita was sure of her salvation and always thanked to God for His amazing grace and mercy.