Neva C. Bernard, 102, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 in the Hospice Unit of Russell County Hospital. She was born in 1920 on the 4th of July, a daughter of the late Walter G. and Vandie Frost Black.
Her husband, Buel was a linotype operator for newspapers. She and her young family traveled for work in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. They returned to Russell County in the late 1940’s, where the Bernards owned and operated the Creamy Whip, of Jamestown. Neva worked in Grider’s #1 Gift Shop for many years. She remained active in public jobs in Russell County up into her 80's, working circles around co-workers a quarter of her age.
She underwent coronary by-pass surgery in the 1980s and had stents placed in 1992. Neva outlived both of her heart surgeons. She followed her cardiac rehabilitation regimen successfully up until the last few months. Neva loved her beautiful flowers and passers-by would often stop and ask Neva for starters from them. She always obliged. One of the favorites requested was from a hydrangea bush that Neva had started from her grandmother’s own.
Neva was dedicated to reading her Bible daily and never would end her day without kneeling beside her bed to pray. When her eyesight began to dim, she listened to Bro. Wayne Keith by radio and Bro. Joel Osteen by television. She enjoyed the music played in these services and would clap her hands in unison to the singing. If she had one desire, it would be that everyone would come to know and live in relationship with her Jesus.
Along with her parents, Neva was preceded in death by her husband, Buel Bernard, who passed away on January 29, 1976; a daughter, Peggy Johnson; a son-in-law, Art “Sonny” Landers; and her brothers and sisters-in-law: Clesbie Ray & LaVere Black and Frank Leon & Virginia Black.
SURVIVORS:
3 daughters: Carole Landers of Prospect and Patti (Avery) Owens of Anderson, Indiana
1 son-in-law: Carey Johnson of Cumming, Georgia
5 grandchildren: Jeff (Trish) Landers, Greg (Kelly) Landers, Pam (Jack) Bussert, Craig (Jeni) Owens, and Keith (Heather) Johnson
1 sister-in-law: Louise Bernard of Jamestown
Several special great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren
A special “thank you” to her grandson, Jeff and his wife, Trish, for their love and care of “Granny”, and to Carol Wilson and other dedicated caregivers that have become an extended family to Neva.
Funeral Service: Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 1:45pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Bro. Wayne Keith officiating
Interment: Ridge Crest Cemetery
Visitation: After 1:00pmCT on Sunday
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503.
Pallbearers: Jamestown Fire Department members
Arrangements for Ms. Neva C Bernard are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
