To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Steve was an amazing kid. He will never be forgotten in our family. Our prayers are with your family.....

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless!

Dear Chris and Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.  Wayne told me today of your tragic loss, and I wish I could be there to hug you, Chris, and comfort you during this very difficult time.  Not sure if you remember me, I used to work at Titon Industries and had the pleasure of knowing you many years ago.  God bless all of you, Ana

Mike&Christen, You know that Stephen will always be in our hearts and he will never be forgotten.

Mike, I pray God will comfort you & your family during this time of sorrow. Keeping you in my prayers.

we are so sorry for your loss. your family will be in our prayers.
                                                             the turner family

Mike, I pray God will comfort you & your family during this time of sorrow.  Keeping you in my prayers.

Our Heavenly Father knows and plans for your every need. His love, care, and strength will be ever-present. May God comfort your hearts today and bless you with endearing memories that your heart will always treasure. Remembering you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike&family,
Words cant express how sorry I am for your loss. My heart breaks for you all at this time. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Look to God for comfort he will not put more on you than you can stand!!!
           Love, Carol Odom

Our prayers are with you and your family. May God wrap his loving arm around you and your family and give all the comfort and peace through this journey.

Mike old buddy, Wish I knew the prefect words to make everything better but no one does.  Just know that all of your friends are praying for you and your family and we will in the coming months and years...You or Stephen will never be forgotten...Gods comfort to all of you!!

My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family. The loss of any kind is tragic but, the loss is a child words cannot express. I did not know Steve but, God does and he is walking hand in hand with HIM today. May knowing this give you some comfort and peace and knowing your will see your son again. May the sweet memories of Steve be his legacy.

Mike Chris, Michelle, and Matthew
My prayers are with you all during this time. Steve was a brilliant young man and a joy to have in class. He helped to make my first year of teaching at B. McDaniel one to remember forever. He will be missed greatly by his peers and Denison ISD staff. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

Our Dearest Mike, Family and Classmates...
My Heart breaks for your loss...We cannot phantom what your emotions are going through right now...And, although we have all grown and gone on Our Lifes journey from High School to present time and many miles seperate alot of us...Our Love and Concern for each other stays the same...Remains Strong...
Faith is Bigger than the Universe just as the Bond we grew to know while in High School...You, Your Family and Stephen's Classmates are in Our Prayers and We will continue to Pray for you all in the days, weeks and months that are ahead of you all...Just know we are with you in Heart, Mind and Spirit My Friend...I feel free to Speak for us all...Johnson High School (JHS) Class of 1980...Oakwood/Gainesville, Georgia...
We Love you Buddy...We are all here for you...Just let any of us know if you need anything in the days, weeks and months to come...
Faith is Strength...Keep it close...

Our prayers are with you and your family!!!! God bless you and keep you in his hands for comfort!!!!!!!!

Stephen's caring soul was visible to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  His kindness is quite missed in a community of great need. Prayers for strength go out to friends and family.  
Ms Schultz

Stephen's family: My prayers are with you all. Steve was an incredible person morally, mentally, and emotionally. He may not have known it but he was one of the strongest influences in my life. He was a friend to me when I felt that no one else was. I am very much grateful to him. He was so much an amazing person and the LORD called him home. I have no doubt he will make it to heaven. I am so truly sorry for your loss, and I hope this provides as some condolence for you.

My heart and prayers go out to your family during this hard time.  May God grant you peace, and know that our community is holding you in our hearts and prayers.  It is my privilege to  have taught Steven.  He was absolutely wonderful and will be missed.

To Stephen's family, please accept heartfelt sympathy for you terrible loss.  May time and loved ones comfort you.  

from a Firefighter and his family

We did not know your family or your son. We read about his tragic passing in the paper. Our thoughts and prayers are for you, his family. We are so so sorry for your loss. God bless you

Mike, Chris, Michelle, and Matthew:  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.  God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. We are praying ferverently for your precious family.  Stephen will be sorely missed but I bet he's smiling down on his family and friends today, at Jesus' feet, wanting us to rejoice in the memories and times that were shared with him and looking forward to a reunion with him again.  Proverbs 3:6, Matthew 5:4, Psalms 31:9. 

Brian, Keary, Ashlyn, Rian and Madyson Conrad

Mike and Chris, I am heartbroken for you and your family.  I hope the many comments from your friends are of some small comfort to you.  Know that I am keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.   God bless you.

Dear family,
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you in the loss of Stephen.  May God be especially close to each of you in this time.  You don't know me, but I feel sure that we are related, due to Stephen's obituary being in the Hall Co., Gainesville, GA newspaper.  The Orr's have been very prominent in the Hall Co., Flowery Branch, GA area since Robert Orr came there in 1810.  Gainesville, GA is only a short distance away from Flowery Branch. I am a native of Hall Co., GA but now reside in TN.  I do genealogy on our family and would love to hear from any of you.  God bless!

Mike, I am deeply saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mike, Chris, Michelle & Mathew: 
I know the minutes seem like hours as you all try to manage the sadness in your hearts. Please know that you are being lifted up by the many prayers, the heavy hearts and the words left unspoken. My hope is that you find a measure of comfort in the strength of your faith and the embrace of all of those that care for you. We will keep Steve, his friends, and all of you in our thoughts.

Mike,  We were so heartbroken to hear of your loss. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.

My heart goes out to all of you during this horrible time.  Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  I pray that you find comfort in each other and in the memories you have of Stephen.  God be with all of you...

Mike, Chris, Michelle, Matthew Your thoughts and prayers are with us. stay strong and trust in Lord and he can get you through anything.

Love Yall,
Willie, Jan, Trey, and Tyler Akins.

My prayers are with you at this time.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Bernier Family, Michelle,  I am so saddened by the loss of Stephen.  He was in my classes many times through the years and was such a dear young man.  He was sweet, smart, courteous, talented and loved.  We just do not ever know why these things happen to good people.  We do know that God has the big picture and has Stephen safe in His loving arms.  We just have to lean not  to our own understanding but lean on HIM at  times like these.  My love, prayers and sympathy go out to you all.  Mary Lou King (substitute teacher for DISD 17 years)

We will certainly be praying for the entire family and all of his friends - So very, very sad to learn of his tragic passing!

Mike, Chris, Michelle, and Matthew,
Our prayers are surrounding all of you and your family and friends at this unspeakable tragedy. May God's love be felt lifting you up every moment now, and in the days to come.
Beverly, Bethany, Thomas, Billy, and Frances

Mike, Chris, Michelle, Matthew you all have my deepest sympathy during this time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.  Steve grew into a young man that would make any parent proud, I will miss him very much and will miss the updates about his life.

OBITUARY

Stephen Joseph Bernier

August 6, 1994 – June 15, 2010

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