Bernice was the joy of her family, squeaky voice and all. Hilarious, positive and fun-loving is how I will always remember her. Only two years ago, we gathered for a GIRLS ONLY, Coz'in reunion and photo opt at Ma Versie's in Arkansas, and Bernice gave us a memorable farewell laugh as she and Shirley Ann departed for Dyersburg to visit their brother Joel.
After getting the simple directions from Mom's house to I-55N (only 2 miles from the house), Bernice made a right turn instead of a left at the first intersection, which we could see from the yard where we were gathered. With the driver window still down from her shouting good-byes to everybody, she heard our screams telling her she was going the wrong way. She made the right turn anyway, and in a few minutes, she was back at the house.
"Bernice," I said. "I told you to make a left turn and you made a right. Coz'in this is gonna be a long short trip for you and Shirley Ann," I added with laughter.
"Girl, I know how to get to Dyersburg"! She said, looking serious. "Ain't ya'll heard, all roads lead to Rome. I'm taking the one " with the scenic view. Cause me and Shirley Ann wanted to pass by that graveyard down from Aunt Versie house where we used to play and even had a family reunion. Girl, I'm glad Ya'll took my advice and made a memorial park out of it," she said and burst into the loudest laughter ever as everybody joined her in another long loud round of good-byes.
Bernice, when wrong could comically convince you she's right. Farewell Bernice, we sure miss you! But your Mama, Coz'in Pie has her baby girl back in her arms again. Knowing this, we replace our tears with smiles that spread for miles and miles with memories of "the way we were."
Love ya, Coz
Irene-Blytheville, Arkansas