On September 25, 2025, Bonita V. White left this earthly sphere. It came out of the blue. It was quite a surprise to many of us and shook so many at the core. “Surely not, Bonita,” many thought. You see, Bonita was one of those people who we believed would always be around. Her departure reminds us that life is but a vapor.
The last time I saw Bonita, she was doing what she always does, celebrating someone else. That afternoon, she was celebrating her longtime friend, gospel industry insider, Pastor Jerome Bell, as he was being installed as pastor at Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. I remember our conversation from that day. She was sharing some history with me about Robert Fryson, the prolific songwriter who penned “I Just Want to Praise You.”
As always, I was struck by her encyclopedic gospel music knowledge. I said, “We’ve got to do an interview. We’ve got to talk about all these things you know about gospel music history,” and she responded with a humble nod. You see, Bonita never sought the spotlight for herself. Instead, she found great joy in uplifting and celebrating those around her and sharing great nuggets of history. Shortly after that conversation, this journalist moved to Charlotte, N.C, and our interview never took place. It’s interesting how we always seem to think there’s always next time, more opportunities to do this or that. Sadly, it was not meant to be.
Bonita was a founding member, business manager, and singer for the famed ensemble Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music. On many occasions, as part of that ensemble, she sang background for many celebrities during many high-profile events, including the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus, Gospel Music Heritage Month on Capitol Hill, and A Capitol Fourth. Surely her voice resonated among the shadows of the monuments and all those other historic things that are in Washington, DC.
Over her lifetime, Bonita received several accolades. In 2024, she received the DMV Musicians and Singers Fellowship Distinguished Service Award, honoring her decades of impact in ministry, music, and mentorship. In 2014, she was an honoree at the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) annual pre-caucus reception, “Melody of Art.” CAAPA recognized her for dedication and outstanding work on behalf of African American classical musicians and the performing arts community. There were others, but these provide an inkling into her overall contributions to the gospel community.
But that’s not all. Bonita attended as many events as she could to cheer on gospel artists and musicians in the DMV. She always posted about it on Facebook, carefully curating every nuance and sharing who else was in attendance. Bonita always gave her trusted critic’s review of the event. It was always glowing and always uplifting. One could consider Bonita a pseudo-journalist because her take on events was always breaking news and hot off the press.
One memorable moment included her participation in the 75th birthday celebration for Gospel legend Richard Smallwood in 2023, where she led “Oh Lord, Stand By Me.” Bonita was so ecstatic about the night’s events, she posted on Facebook several times. She kept everyone posted on how many views the video had on YouTube (it’s currently 709, by the way). Bonita was wrapped up in celebrating her friend.
There are NO words to express just how much the DMV LOVES Richard Smallwood, how much sharing his gifts, talents and humility means to SO many, how Godly proud we are of him and his accomplishments and how unifying his Tribute was for the DMV Gospel Community! It was truly a night to remember – forever!!! (Bonita White, 2023)
When Pastor Jerome Bell was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, she was overjoyed and penned this message:
Congratulations on your induction into The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, your second pastoral anniversary at Grace, and your birthday celebration. So very proud of you, My Gospel Brother of 48 years + counting!! (Bonita White, 2025)
That was Bonita, always celebrating others. As we remember Bonita, we can all create our memorial stones of her life in the way that she interacted with us, that voice, that smile. Bonita sowed seeds, and those seeds will continue to grow through the encouragement that Bonita provided to young up-and-coming musicians, singers, and mentees. It will live on when that person plays or sings or recalls a historical gospel tidbit they got from Bonita. Indeed, Bonita’s legacy lives on, although she’s departed for a heavenly residence. This was very evident in the tributes that poured in on social media when the news broke.
“Your ministry of service and helps endeared you to many. Your vocal excellence drew the attention of countless choir and ensemble directors who eagerly requested your gifts and talents. You were professional, yet always kind.”-Bishop Jeremiah Murphy.
“Remembering DC Gospel Music Force Bonita V. White. I will miss her encouraging spirit and enthusiasm in advocating and supporting the gospel music arts, especially with Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music.”-Journalist Patrick D. McCoy.
“Thank you, Bonita, for being my big sister, for always looking out for me, and for always being a true friend and family to me.”-Jimmy Russell (Jimmy RussellnBOC)
“A very special person whose life positively impacted anyone who had the privilege of interacting with her. She was an encourager, and her life reflected God’s glory.”-Henry MacKenzie Davis
This is just a small glimpse into how the DMV gospel community reacted. However, the community does not mourn as one who has no hope because they know that Bonita loved the Lord. They know that Bonita loved the gospel community. They know that Bonita loved her friends and her church. In the federal space, she was respected as a mentor among her colleagues. She hadn’t been considering retiring, but her heavenly pension kicked in.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints~Psalm 116:15
Rest well in the Father’s arms, Bonita V. White. Rest well.
Homegoing arrangements: Stream the service at https://www.sbcsw.org/
