Janet L. "Susie" Bond

Janet Lee Bond passed peacefully to her heavenly home on Saturday, June 22, 2024. 

Janet Lee Bond, 85, lovingly called by her nickname Susie, was born on September 16, 1938, in Conway, Arkansas. Janet was preceded in death by her father, Walter Selph; her mother, Cleo Selph; and her grandmother, Lillian Brown. 

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Bond and their two sons: Brian Bond and his wife, Carrie Bond of Weatherford, Texas, with their children: Taylor, Madison and husband, Jonah Moss, and Braxton; Josh Bond and his wife, Teresa, of Benton, Arkansas, and their children: MaKayla and husband, Mark McAllister, Nathan, and Lauren; her sister, Betty Warren of Little Rock, Arkansas; her niece, Cindy Owen of North Little Rock, Arkansas; and great-niece, Betsy and husband, Carl Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas; great-grandchildren, Ruthie Lee and Patton Moss; and many special extended family, church family, and lifelong friends.

As a young adult, Susie accepted and committed her life to the Lord. Through the years, wherever Ron and Susie lived, they served in a local Baptist church. Susie sang in the church choir, served on various committees – taking great joy in leading the church decorating team, served as a deacon’s wife, and served with special projects including Operation Christmas Child. She left her birth state for the first time in 1962, with her new husband Ron, a naval officer, and moved to Oxnard, California. They lived in six different states throughout their 62 years of marriage, adding their first son, Brian, in Jacksonville, Florida, and their second son, Josh, in Valdosta, Georgia. Susie loved spending time with family, reading, PBJ sandwiches, singing and listening to Christian hymns, crossword puzzles, scrapbooking, sewing, antiquing, and was always working on some type of decorating project. Her warm smile was genuine, reflecting the joy of Jesus.

In 1985, Susie’s love of decorating merged with her passion for helping others, and Homespun Cottage, a home décor and antiques shop, was opened. Susie was the owner, manager, and buyer for Homespun Cottage, which expanded to two locations in the Austin, Texas area. Susie’s passion for decorating and love for people grew during the fifteen years that the Homespun Cottage was open, as evidenced by many devoted customers turned friends. In 1998, Susie and Ron moved to Harrison, Arkansas, and opened the Walnut Tree Inn, a bed and breakfast with a small shop. During their time in Harrison, Susie and Ron served as advocates for children through Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA.

The most meaningful parts of Susie’s life were her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family. In 2022, she selected the name “GiGi,” as she became a great-grandmother to Ruthie Lee Moss, and then in 2024, Patton Luke Moss. Susie loved to shop with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters but especially loved to shop for others. Planning gatherings, especially holidays, for the family - her sons, their wives, and all the grandchildren - was always a highlight. No one could set a table like Susie Bond! She had a unique way of making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and special.

A celebration service will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church, 211 South Market Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Flowers for the service may be sent to First Baptist Church, Benton, Arkansas. 

Donations in Susie’s honor may be made to the Community Ministries of Benton First Baptist Church, specifically to be used with Operation Christmas Child.