Eleanor Grace Bernier

Born December 9, 1930, in New Albany, Mississippi, to parents Lamar and Kathrine King. Eleanor was a devoted member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, where faith, service, and community were central to her life. A person of deep conviction, compassion, and selflessness,

Eleanor cherished worship, choir, youth church, and summer camp. Along with her devotion to God, Eleanor was known for fellowship with friends and neighbors. Her interests included

serving others, volunteering, adoring her pets, and community work. Her life was a testament to kindness and generosity and was reflected in how she lived and loved every day.

Eleanor graduated from Mississippi State College for Women in 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Her first employment was at Humble Oil in Houston, Texas, where she met Frank, her husband and the love of her life. Eleanor and Frank were married on October 2, 1954.

Eleanor is survived by grandchild, Aiden Padraig Bernier and great-grandchild Sean Bernier, daughter-in-law, Tiffany Bernier, and co-grandmother and special care-giver, Ada Kay Compton, along with many friends who will forever carry special memories of her. She is also survived by her siblings, Louie Tolbert (Brig. Gen. William Troy Tolbert, deceased), Valdosta, GA, and Jane Greer (Charlie Greer, Ret. Col. Army), Belden, Mississippi. She is also survived by her pet dog, Rosie, who stayed by her side until the end.

Eleanor is predeceased by her husband, Col. Francis William Bernier, daughter, Susanne Marie Bernier, son Robert Bruce Bernier, and two grandchildren, William Bernier and Mary Grace Bernier, and brother Lamar King, Jr.

Services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd. Alexandria VA 22307 with Pastor Betsy Hudson officiating. Visitation at 1pm, Memorial at 2pm, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Eleanor’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 9:00am. Eleanor will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4