Priscilla Bonds

Priscilla (nee Goggins) Bonds entered into rest on January 26, 2024 in Amherst, NY. Born four out of eleven children to the late Willice and Reverend Douglas Goggins Sr. in Anniston, Alabama. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Buffalo, NY, where she lived the remainder of her life. In the early 1950's she worked as a stock-girl at a high-end department store in downtown Buffalo. One afternoon the designer Oleg Cassini was in town with his trunk show. A model called in sick and they needed a replacement. As she walked across the room Mr. Cassini exclaimed "Thats the most beautiful colored girl Ive ever seen". He requested that she replace the sick model but was informed that "Colored girls were not allowed on the floor and that the store was unwilling to change its policy." Mr. Cassini went to the stockroom and gave the tearful stock girl his card and invited her to come to New York to model for him. She asked her father for permission, who then reached out to his wifes cousin (a former Cotton Club dancer) for advice. She informed him that Priscilla was too sensitive and that they would eat her alive in the NY modeling world. She chose not to move to New York. She chose instead to move forward with grace. She stayed in Buffalo, married Keyes Bonds and raised three sons (including twins). As the world changed and the civil rights movement kicked in, she worked high end sales at LL Bergers. She continued modeling locally well into her seventies with appearances on AM Buffalo and in local media. One of the greatest joys in her later years was as organist at The Church of God Worship and Praise Tabernacle. She joyfully played the organ there till the last weeks of her life. Her ability to love was visible every week as at the end of services a number of young children, many from foster and broken homes, would patiently form a line and wait for a hug from Mother Bonds. Priscillas precious memory will live on in the hearts of her family. On February 15th we will gather to form one last line to tell her how much her love meant to all of us and to hug each other in her memory. Priscilla is survived by her loving sons Keyes, Wade, and Ward; adored granddaughters Jewel Harris, and Rachel Bonds; cherished great grandchildren Tatiana, Christian and Julianna; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Relatives and friends may gather for a memorial service at the Church of God Worship and Praise Tabernacle, 82 Edison Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215 on Thursday (February 15th) at 11:00 AM. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pricillas memory may be made to The Church of God Worship and Praise Tabernacle. Services Memorial Service Thursday February 15, 2024 11:00 AM Church of God Worship and Praise Tabernacle 82 1/2 Edison Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215