08/18/2025
Marion Anthony Lunsford Bond Avery, born August 10, 1932, passed away on August 15, 2025. Known to most as “Tinkie,” a nickname handed down to her by her mother, she was the daughter of Charles Preston Lunsford and Marion Anthony Garrett Lunsford. She is survived by her siblings Julianne Hollingsworth and Charles Lunsford, II and his wife Linda. Her husbands, Gardner Wright “Bookie” Bond, Jr. and the Reverend Francis “Frank” Brownell Avery, Jr.; as well as her sister, Martha Clay Martin predeceased Tinkie.
Tinkie is also survived by her children, Dr. J. Preston Bond and her husband Emerald, Gardner W. Bond, III and his wife Debra, Charles L. Bond and Karen Layne, and John A. Bond and his wife Megan. Grandchildren include Jay Bond and his wife Paige, Tyler Bond and Mindi Pugh, Kasey Balderson and her husband Carrington, Dr. Peyton Bond and Alex Young, Teddy Bond, and Caroline Bond. Great grandchildren include Tucker Bond, Carson Balderson, and Garrett Bond. Reverend Avery’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren also survive her.
Tinkie was a graduate of St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA and Hollins College in Roanoke, VA, class of 1955. She was a music major and quite accomplished on the piano. While at Hollins she served as Head Usher and was awarded the Algernon Sullivan Sydney Award for service to the college and others.
In 1956, she married Bookie (VMI Class of 1950B), Captain United States Army, who served as an Artillery Officer in Korea and was awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery under fire.
Tragically, in 1970, Tinkie lost her husband, Bookie. She thus dedicated herself to raising their four children. As her children grew older, Tinkie returned to Hollins College to earn a teaching degree. Mrs. Bond taught sixth and seventh grade at Bedford Elementary School in Bedford. She said she was blessed with many outstanding students.
In 1987, Tinkie married Frank. She left the classroom a couple of years later but continued to serve children through her work as director of and then as a volunteer at Tuesday School at Bedford Presbyterian Church. Tinkie’s joy in these roles was evident when she held a baby in her arms, and many, many little ones found comfort there.
Tinkie was active in service to others. She served on the Bedford Memorial Hospital Board, where she spent time as chair, the Presbyterian Home board, and the session of Bedford Presbyterian Church. Additionally, she served as a Trustee of Bedford Presbyterian Church and as a Cub Scout leader, all while being the single mother of four.
She was a much beloved “Grandma” and “Bama” to her six grandchildren Jay, Tyler, Kasey, Peyton, Teddy, and Caroline, as well as Reverend Avery’s five grandchildren, Allison, Laura, Carson, Taylor, and Rachel.
Tinkie was a wonderful cook and was renowned for her ham biscuits. She prepared “Sunday Dinner” for her family faithfully for over thirty years, and her meal preparation seemed as effortless as if she had a host of fairies assisting her. Numerous friends and extended family were invited throughout the years. Tinkie was the consummate hostess.
Tinkie cherished her role of wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sibling, aunt, and friend. She filled each role remarkably well. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Following a private graveside service for family, a reception for family and friends will be held at 1763 Woods Road, Bedford, VA at 12 noon, on Saturday, August 23, 2025 to celebrate Tinkie’s life.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
