Maria Leticia (Ferrer) Bayona, age 90, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Maria was born in Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico to the late Maria Juana Vila Ferrer and Ibrahim Ferrer. Maria was married to the late MSG (Ret.) Reginald J. Bayona-Sanderson for 61 years upon his death in 2016. Maria was very proud of the fact that her husband, as well as her two sons, were all Eagle Scouts. She loved music, and was an avid lace maker. Maria was associated with the Atlanta Chapter of I.O.L.I - International Old Lacers. She was incredibly talented in many other crafts to include tatting, macramé, knitting, crochet, painting and gardening. Maria was an awesome cook and a wonderful mother.
Maria is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, MSG Reginald J. Bayona-Sanderson; her son Reginald James Bayona II; and her parents, Ibrahim Ferrer and Maria Juana Vila Ferrer.
She leaves her loving memory to be cherished by her three daughters: Doris Janet Bayona Sheldon of Columbus, GA, Agnes Grimes and her husband Earnest of Smiths Station, AL and Martha Laura Flatt and her husband Warren of Louvale, GA; her son, Joseph Raymond Bayona of Columbus, GA; seven grandchildren: Robert Grimes, Rebecca Chester, Tanyalynnette Grimes, Sarah Flatt, Emily Flatt, Jennifer Khouli, and Tiffany Anderson; and seven great grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends for Maria will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, followed by a celebration of life funeral service at 3:00 PM. Maria will be laid to rest in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907.