Bessie Jean Bernard

Bessie Jean Bernard, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2011. She was born in Beaumont Texas, however, she spent most of her life in Port Arthur. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1939. She later received a degree from Phillips Business College in Dallas, TX. After graduation from college, she returned to Port Arthur and served as registrar at Lincoln High School where she retired from the Port Arthur Independent School District after over 40 years of dedicated service.

Mrs. Bernard was baptized at an early age and united with Saint Paul United Methodist Church. She was a devout Christian and well known for her commitment to doing God’s work. She served as Church Announcement Clerk and sang in the Wesleyan Choir for over 40 years. She was a member of the Esther- Wesleyan -Joy Women’s Circle, the Southeast Texas District United Methodist Women organization and a Silver Angel. Mrs. Bernard also held several positions of leadership in her church including, Finance Committee Secretary, Church Council Secretary and she was a member of Pastor Parrish Relations Committee. Her professional affiliations included The Port Arthur W.L. DeWalt Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, and The Retired Teachers Association of Texas.

After 38 years of marriage, the Lord called her beloved husband, Artes Lee Bernard home in September, 1995. Mrs. Bernard was also preceded in death by her parents, Elijah McCarter and Bettie Cleveland - McCarter of Beaumont, TX, four aunts, Bessie Hunter, Edna Hann, Carrie Johnson and Emma Bonds and four uncles Lester Roberson, Edmond ‘Son” Roberson, Lee Cleveland and A.C. Cleveland.

“Miss Bessie” touched the lives of many people with her smile and generosity. She will forever be remembered by her dear cousin Ray Charles Hunter (wife Bernadine) of Beaumont, TX, whom she helped rear, Stepdaughter Debra Rice-Ray of Dallas, TX, three Step Grandchildren, Nephew Artes Lee Bernard (wife Charlotte) of Anahuac, TX, and special Cousin Rosie Conner of Dallas, TX. Other survivors include Godchildren Lonnie Hawkins of Port Arthur, TX and Chrystal Carter of Beaumont, TX and her parents Morris and Theresa Carter of Spring, TX, her close confidants Mrs. Betty Taylor, Mrs. Annette Mitchell and Mrs. Kate Walker of Port Arthur, TX and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bessie Jean Bernard will be held Friday, December 2, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul United Methodist Church located at 821 Freeman Avenue (formerly Texas Avenue) - Port Arthur, Texas 77640 Phone: (409)985-9977.