Viola Iris Bonnett Elam

Obituary For Viola Iris Bonnett Elam

VIOLA IRIS BONNETT ELAM, affectionately known as Vye, the daughter of the late Alice and David Bonnett, entered into rest peacefully on January 15, 2025. Vye was born on March 16, 1928, in Edward, Beaufort County, North Carolina, where she graduated from high school. She received an undergraduate degree from Elizabeth City State Teacher's College in 1952 and a Master of Arts in Teaching from New York University in 1956.
For over 40 years, Vye taught elementary school in Harris and Richmond counties in Georgia and Aiken County, South Carolina, with a brief tenure at Paine College. She mentored many educators throughout her career and received Teacher of the Year honors in Harris and Richmond counties.

A devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church for 60 years, Vye served as the inaugural Director of Christian Education. She held various roles, including Women's Day chair, Vacation Bible School coordinator, Sunday School teacher, and co-founder of Antioch's Noonday Bible Study, recently celebrating its 21st year.

Vye spent her adult life being politically and socially active. She was a Life Member of the NAACP, two-time Georgia NAACP Mother of the Year, and the NAACP's National Convention Million Dollar Award winner for outstanding membership recruitment. A leading voter registration volunteer, 20-year South Augusta Elections Poll Worker, and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Vye has received proclamations to recognize her contributions to the City of Augusta and the State of Georgia.
Vye was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, William, Delzora, Sarah, and John. Vye is survived by her daughters, Teri Lynn and Alicia Beatrix; granddaughter, Alyce-Dean Elam Owens; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 10:00 am at Antioch Baptist Church. The remains will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donating to the NAACP, Alzheimer's Association for Parkinson's Dementia research, or Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Xi Omega Chapter Scholarship Fund (in memory of Viola Elam), P O Box 1455, Augusta, GA 30903.

W.H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401 whmays.com