My Dear, My Darling Mama,  

THANK YOU FOR LEAVING FOR ME THE BEST GIFT YOU COULD HAVE POSSIBLY LEFT - THE GIFT OF YOU.

You left for me the sweetest memories that only I can hold.

You left for me, embedded in my heart and spirit, life I now unfold.

You left for me your motherly teachings - so meaningful beyond any measure.

Your love, your devotion, your patience, your inspiration, your hard work, your selflessness, your unparalleled motherhood - I shall forever treasure. 

Mama, you didn’t know it, but you sacredly left for me the exclusive and cherished gift of YOU. 

I know this because you’re literally ever present within me in every single thing I do.

Forever your baby girl,
Dessie

A birthday tribute to arguably the greatest mother ever to live on earth, Helen Bernice Evans Burnette... I will always Love My Mama; she's my favorite girl! I will always Love My Mama; she brought me in this world!

Your baby boy,
Don Q Burnette A.K.A. "DonnyB"
February 2024

Aunt Bernice,
I miss your beautiful smile, your laughter and most of all your warm, loving, giving heart. You will forever love in my heart ❤️.

Happy birthday Helen.
I miss and love you so much. You may be gone from sight, but you are NEVER gone from my heart.

You are loved beyond words.

Happy birthday Helen. You are FOREVER MISSED. I miss you saying to me "you're so sweet". I miss your coconut custard pie. I was too young to hear you sing in church, but family members said you sang beautifully.
I miss you being here with all of us.
Love you.

Brother Thomas, So nice for you to caress our hearts and ears with your beautiful, heartfelt and sweet memory of our Virtuous woman, Bernice. I concur about her pies and her beautiful talents of singing and playing the piano. I was just talking to my family this morning about one of the favorite songs she used to play and sing together, "Bringing in the Sheaves"! I LOVE ME SOME MAMA BERNICE! Forever your son,

"DonnyB"

        My Mama - Helen Bernice Burnette

Phenomenal lady - you stand alone;

Good and loving lady - to and through the bone;

You're not among the best - you're better than the best -
Head and shoulder way above the rest;

When I was young, everywhere I followed you;

Up to Heaven - I'll be there too. 

Odessa (Dessie)
Created: August 06, 2022

Bernice was one of favorite cousin I enjoyed going to their home we were very close with the kids going there was our fun Wille would always having us playing baseball then after we would have some of her great tasting cakes and ice cream miss them alot always thinking of the family God bless much love

Happy belated birthday Bernice,
I read all the memorial tributes and I'm sorry that I didn't get to know her like the others because I was young and it's a lot I don't remember. I can tell she was a very special person. As I was reading the tributes it put a smile on my face knowing she had a beautiful soul that will never be forgotten and Bernice you will always be in our hearts.

Mrs. Bernice is what my siblings and I called our cousin Helen Bernice Burnette. We were related on my Mom’s (Lottie Epps Bullock) side. She sang in the choir with my Mom. As a young child, what I remember most about Mrs. Bernice was how pretty she was, how hard she worked and that smile. That smile would just melt your heart and made you feel special. Such a sweet special lady deserves a tribute like this. Cousin Don you did a wonderful job pulling this together. Your Mom would be so proud and I’m sure she is lighting up things in heaven with that smile.

Love, Cousin Sylvia Bullock Green

It took all these years for me to realize why you meant so much to me, as a child I always felt warm when I was around you, needless to say your smile said it all, it talked to me, made me feel everything was alright, you were aware of me
losing my mother at a young age but you didn't show pity you showed love with a smile. I remember when you would come to NYC to visit your mother and she wasn't home you would always come across the street and lay on the couch waiting for aunt Zella to come, as congested as things were (lol) you ignored it and tried to rest. I found out over the years your name was Helen too. Helen must be a family name because my aunt was name Helen as well, back in those days family would name children after family members. I remember she came to NYC when her nephew passed, and she spoke at the memorial boy....did she speak, my respect for her went up a notch. When I saw you I saw love, and your beauty was as big as your smile.
Keep smiling..

It brings so many memories of how she always visits and when she gets there she said "let's go somewhere usually Henderson I remember when she took mom and me to Macon she was looking for shoes, I thought we were going to a big shoe store it was a small old building ah !ah

The following post/tribute is by Maxine Alexander, who is the daughter of Isabella Moss Alexander and Logan Alexander:

I have memories of Aunt Bernice’s beautiful smile and laugh. No one could drive that pretty red car like she did. She was a very smart woman with a great personality and a great sense of humor. Aunt Bernice could cook the best food. No one could make hot rolls like her and my mom (Isabella Moss Alexander).

Love!!!!,
Maxine Alexander

I will always remember you as my most beautiful cousin that I called "Aunt Bernice." You never missed an opportunity to demonstrate your genuine love for family. I was always so happy when I saw you because you were simply beautiful inside and out. Even when when you took me to the cotton field to pick cotton you showed so much love. I remember how you were always so kind and gentle even in the mist of being stern and tough on me. You taught me the value of hard work and that has guided my work ethic throughout my adulthood. Rest in Heaven Aunt Bernice! Love you always!!

Her laughter was contagious!! Don’t get her tickled about something and it was on! I actually can’t recall a time when I didn't see her smiling. She may have been small in stature but big in heart! Absolutely loved visiting with her. She always had time, energy and scrumptious food for anyone who visited her warm and inviting home. She is truly missed indeed.
Happy Heavenly Birthday Beautiful!
I know those angels are tickled pink!

I remember Bernice's beautiful smile, distinct laugh, and golden fried chicken. When she walked into a room she brought an uplifting spirit. Rest in peace and happy Heavenly 89th.

My aunt Bernice.. I remember her big smile and bigger personality. She was a woman who believed in God, and lived her life accordingly. She was always ready to feed you!! (a good cook) I've always had a special place in my heart for her and I'll always remember her. Happy Heavenly Birthday.. ❤️

Missing my Aunt Bernice! Missing that smile and her always trying to fatten me up with that good, delicious homecooking lol. And whenever I came to NC, visiting her was a MUST!! Continue to Rest In Heaven auntie!! ❤️

   Helen Bernice Burnette - My Angel

The world is missing an angel that gently graced the earth,
The sweetest soul I’ve ever known, whom I followed since my birth;

This angel of whom I speak is my sweet beloved mother,
To whom I give the most heartfelt thanks, way above any other;

With dignity, elegance and strength, exemplified so bright,
She was an indelible reflection of her own natural light;

God knew the depth and essence of her spiritual insight,
As she deeply loved Him with all her heart and with all her might;

Created in His image, as she so righteously portrayed;
Loving family, friends, and community, from all of which she never swayed;

As a mother, she is unsurpassed,
As a person, her distinct qualities shall forever last;

With a strong faith she developed and demonstrated as a child,
She never went halfway, but always the extra mile;

Her humor was a miracle medicine for those who showed sadness,
Her laughter brought joy, soothed moods, and turned all surroundings into gladness;

Her epic storytelling brought life to any restless story or book;
Her exceptional cleanliness turned every glance into a stunning second look;

Her masterful skill and workmanship to get her tasks done,
Was the talk of the town from the daily rising of the sun;

Mama now rests in Heaven far beyond the visual skies,
Yet her legacy of goodness and love continuously and beautifully lies;

I still follow this angel with every awakening breath,
Oh yes, I will do so from now until my inevitable death;

I begin each day with a skyline of confidence, reaching far beyond the tallest mountain,
Because Helen Bernice gave me life luster, like Jane Pittman’s moment at the fountain;

Now abiding with God, the Father and Giver of all,
He has showered her with that rewarding trip, more than hope could ever enthrall;

I love this unique woman with all of my heart, body and soul,
There’s no way I can ever imagine these truths being untold;

Mama, you’re my morning glory, my moon and my stars,
I thought you were my missing angel, but you’re with me, right here, in my heart. ❤️

Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Your daughter,
Odessa Burnette Gatewood “Dessie”

Beloved Mama, as a pregnant and frightened teenage girl, you found me worthy and saw my value when I was just a seedling in the womb. You were an overcomer, forgetting what others would say or think about the child you carried. As you looked lovingly into my face, God looked with forgiveness and understanding into yours. I, Goldie Mae Burnette, belonged to you and daddy then and even now. Therefore, it is indeed an honor as your oldest child, to express my love, respect, and appreciation to God for choosing you as my beautiful and charismatic mother.
Today my heartfelt reflections create a renewed longing for your presence; and for the many phone calls we shared throughout the day. You were my friend and a warrior who remained steadfast in your motherly commitment to me and each one of your children. You taught me so much about life and people…. how to look out for the interest of others and not merely myself. You taught me what it means to love unconditionally, and to give self totally and completely for the good of others. You took sharing the gospel with your children serious, by teaching us the importance of memorizing Scripture and the power of having a consistent prayer life to carry us through challenging times. Thank you for showing me powerful results of prayer, faith, and obedience when there is trust in God.
Further, when hospitalized, you said you would silently whisper for protection, both Psalm 23 and the Lord’s prayer, before that knock-out anesthesia took over your body and mind. These two are my saving grace still today on my spiritual journey to see you face to face with Jesus.
Your love for the radio and television ministries of Oral Roberts and Billy Graham was contagious. And it is no secret how much I too enjoy media ministries. At one point, one of these ministries asked listeners to place one hand on the radio, and one on the body part of self or another in need of healing prayer. What comes to my mind is your hand covering my stuttering mouth. Thank you, Mama, for praying God’s healing power over my situation.
Like you, Mama, my abundant love for Christian books is insatiable. I still have the now worn book of yours entitled Angels by Billy Graham. In fact, I know you would also enjoy the rich Word so readily available through the 24/7 internet resources.  
In your wisdom and intellect, Mama, you prepared me for first grade when no kindergarten education existed for your daughter. Because of your dedication, Mrs. Henderson, my first-grade teacher, was so enamored by my reading skills and other abilities. Not leaving anything or anyone out, you taught all age-appropriate children on the John Henry Burnette Farm the pledge of allegiance. And I still to this day, believe that no one matches your ability to tell fairytales. You made Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Greta, the Three Little Pigs and many more so real to us. Sitting there on the kitchen floor as you cooked our meals and delicious desserts, we were captivated by your impeccable voice mimicking and make-overs for emphasis. Another fun memory was your ability to teach Dessie, Marion, Carolyn, and me poetry. You made sure we had an audience by driving us around to the different churches in Warren County to participate in Children Day programs. You were just a phenomenal woman of God.
Lastly, Mama, watching you reconcile your weekly expenses with your payroll set me in motion for a lifetime. I still write myself notes as you did. Without a doubt, the hands-on experiences and personal coaching received in the Bernice Life Enrichment Program equipped me for my future.
The love I have for you is everlasting. It goes without saying that these words do little justice in describing your sweet eternal soul; there is so much more to share. Thank you for being the best mother of all for Eric. Thank you for accepting my children (Cheryl, Chris, and Stacey) without discrimination. Thank you, Don, for the privilege. God bless.

Grandma Bernice:

You were not here for us to meet,
To share a bond that was destined to be sweet.
I was unable to give you a hug and much-deserved praise,
For the outstanding job you did with the children you raised.
So I'll send a heartfelt thanks and birthday wishes with love,
Keep looking over us and enjoying your heavenly home above.

-With Love, Shana B.

Happy Heavenly Birthday sister in law Bernice I will always remember the good time we spent together and talking with you I miss that time we had together RIP my words with love  Marian Wadley

Happy Heavenly Birthday Grandma Bernice! To a lady who was an absolute rock! A caretaker, an encourager and a LIFE SAVER! Can't forget part time comedian. Thanks for all you did for me

I’M FULL - I’M FULL - I’M FULL - I’M FULL - I’M FULL—❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Happy Birthday Helen Bernice Burnette . I know you're the most beautiful angel in Heaven. I know you're laughing and singing with Heavenly Joy. Now take a moment and look at what your baby, Don has created. He's a super AMAZING guy, the REAL deal, who loves and adores you beyond description. That Willie and Bernice mix really did it. The Heavenly website is absolutely out of this world, just Heavenly, Heavenly, Heavenly mama and he made it for you, the most precious soul to ever enter Heaven. Please read all the tributes, and stories, and look at all the pictures. We didn't forget what you did for us and others. See the things that have been going on since you departed to Heaven. Look at your grands since Tony, DJ, Stacey, Brandon and Desmera. (Willeesha and Binkey). They are all beautiful, smart and so sweet, just like you. Look also at your great grands. They're truly magnificent. Look at all the pictures mama. You are so loved. I vividly remember telling you when I was a young girl that I wanted to get in the casket with you when you die. Now I tell you, I want to see you again and be in Heaven with you when I die. Just keep my spot open. Give my love to my daddy, my brother, Jerel, ma, pa, grandma Virginia and all the rest. Show them what Don created. I know pa will say - "that boy is something" and then chuckle. Enjoy this day to Heavenly fullest. You're truly my angel. ❤️

Grandma Bernice had such a one of a kind, beautiful spirit! It’s amazing how one’s legacy impacts generations to come and Grandma Bernice’s legacy has done just that. I was a child when my grandma passed, but the stories I hear to this day make me feel like I knew her much longer. Her laughs, cooking, cleaning, and care for others were unmatched. I can tell you that I know how to clean silk plants and baseboards because of her. Sometimes (or often times) you have to sweep the floor multiple times a day to keep the house clean. I have certain personal hygienic standards because of Grandma Bernice. And homemade gravy is the easiest and hardest thing to make, but when you get it right, it is sooo good. Having a sense of humor is a beautiful thing, and keeping an open door for family, friends, and neighbors to pop by or stay a while is so important. I feel so blessed to call her my grandma and I look forward to seeing her again. Happy Birthday, Grandma Bernice!! Love you always!!

Happy earthly birthday mama and I'm sure everyday in Heaven is a lot more happier than this wicked, ole earth! Today so many people have shared how Blessed they are to have met you or been touched by your spirit. What a good wife, mom and friend you were. You often talked about how Blessed you were in the 1950's by having four, loving children and then of course me in the 1960's.

Today - I, Don the youngest of your finely raised children, leave a tribute to the greatest person I've ever known. You are my everything; even now. I owe so much to you for who I am. You taught me how to love. You taught me how to care. You taught me how to share. You taught me how to cook and clean. You taught me how to sew. You taught me how to plait hair. You taught me how to go to church and participate. You taught me how to treat others. You taught me how to keep a yard beautiful. You taught me how to keep a secret; I still have them locked up tight. (smile) I could go on and on. I often wonder why you left this earth on the same day that you gave birth to me, February 8th and the only thing I can come up with is that God wanted and needed you there and to leave a reminder of how valuable your love for me is, almost in the sense of a sacrifice.

Mama raised me to be a hardworking, caring, independent and loving man. She led by example and I followed her as closely as I could. We even worked together for 9 years straight at Harriet & Henderson Yarns. It was also called the cotton mill. It was real hard work, but our mama performed the work for 32 years. She carpooled with her good friends, Elizabeth Edwards, Virginia Boyd, Mary Pettaway and Roselle Jefferson. Sometimes when her aunt Elizabeth Vaughan needed a ride, she would provide one for her as well. She even got Tony a job there and he worked there for a bit. She took pride and joy in her profession. Some of those years neither she nor I missed a day out of work. Everyone who worked there and didn't miss a day during the year, would be rewarded at the beginning of the next year with a $100 gift certificate. Mama was so proud when she would receive hers and guess what? She and I were rewarded together a few times for receiving it the same years.

Mama loved and spoiled all of us, but in 1970 when the love of her life, Tony, Dessie's son/mama's oldest grandson was born. This was a new light in her life. A new love started. A new person to spoil began. Tony was her heart. She loved and adored every inch of him. He loved her too. He was always so dear, respectable and honorable to her. She spent countless hours spoiling us together. He was like a son to her. Mama, all of your grandchildren love to hear about you and are so respectful like you. We try to keep family close just like one of your core values.

Well, I just want to say we all appreciate everything you did for us while you were here on this earth. Your light still shines brightly. Your piano is still being played by your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Your beautiful pictures, china, antiques, artifacts, pottery, ceramics, pictures, jewelry and furniture are spread all over the family. We still plant rose bushes in your honor. Your legacy lives on and on. We will always cherish and adore you. You are forever remembered and forever missed.

And of course you know my Disc Jockey name from the 70's, 80's & 90's, "DonnyB" - you are sweeter than most no, you're sweeter than all - and as you would say "I know you're up in Heaven having a ball"
Love Conquers All!

The impact that my grandma has had on so many people is so clear. I wish I’d known her, but from all of the stories and reminiscing I feel like I already do.

I know she’s my guardian angel.

I often hear such great things about this woman. How clean she kept her house, the delicious meals she prepared, her fine since of humor, the amazing mother she was, and my my the stories about her and Ms Roselle. It saddens me each year around this time because I do not have memories of my own. I am the daughter of the late Willie Burnette Jr (June). I am Bernice’s granddaughter. Whew chile, what wouldn’t I give to step foot in my grandma’s kitchen just to say, “Girl, what you cook?” People say I remind them of you. You can best believe I eat that up! I take it as the biggest compliment. Ohhh what would they do with the both of us together? I would love to know! I think of it every year around this time when the memories flow and the reminiscing begins. I miss you when I’ve never even met you. I love you when I’ve never even felt your embrace. I most definitely wish I would have gotten the chance to experience your love. It’s good to know that your children have kept your legacy alive. They have done such a fine job with allowing you to continue to live through them. For that, I appreciate them. Grandma, you are indeed “forever missed.”

I have such wonderful and fond memories of Ms Bernice. She was a wonderful and kind person with a heart of gold. Not only was she our neighbor, she was our family! . She was my mom’s (Frances) best friend. I will always remember her inviting us over for breakfast, picking us up for church, choir practice, piano lessons and trips to Henderson for ice cream at Big T. Ms. Bernice, Ms Hattie Pearl and Mommy all shared August birthdays and would celebrate over ice cream!
She will always have a special place in my ❤️.

Bernice always made sure that Don, Andrea, and I were able to attend the football and basketball games at the high school. She would help Ma at the tobacco bench, so we would be able to attend the games. Things that people go out their way to do for you, when they don’t have to, you don’t forget. I miss the talks and laughs that I shared with Bernice.

There are lots of seemingly “good” folk who tote their Bibles; they go to Sunday School; go to Bible Study; sing on the choir; and attend worship service religiously but may still find themselves not entering God’s Kingdom. This is because they never show the “light” of their love like you see illuminated with the generous heart of Helen Burnette.

Mother Helen Burnette is one of the most generous, thoughtful, considerate, humble, frank, honest, no-nonsense, and most righteous souls I ever met. She reminds me a lot of my biological mother Geneva Gaddy Gatewood. They are devoted Sisters in Christ although they never had the opportunity to meet each other physically.

Meeting and marrying my ultimate soul mate, and “the greatest love of all” - my wife Odessa Burnette, provided added bonuses such as how I came to know and love Anthony “Tony” Hawkins, one of the greatest, naturally intelligent, most respectful, and most responsible young men born in his generation. 

There was Odessa’s cool and socially conscious daddy Willie Sr. who I got to know briefly; her fine siblings who in their own way bring a unique brand of brilliance to the table of blessings; Odessa’s cousins, aunts, uncles, their spouses, and children are just as closely woven into the fabric of this strong family along with others who added to the joy of our God-sent union of Holy matrimony. 

I was further blessed with a daughter who is one of the greatest orators and social justice organizers of her time - Desmera Curtise Gatewood; I was further blessed with ultimately meeting as part of our family, Tony’s great and dedicated wife JoMesha; God blessed me through His divine production of the most beautiful granddaughters (this includes Desmera and Tony’s daughters) who intellectually and spiritually prove daily, their “beauty” is not “just skin deep.” 

Moreover, it is my belief, the Queen who sits upon the righteous throne and at the top of all of the inexpressible, inspirational, aforementioned, and most Godly blessings I have received during my adult life is MOTHER HELEN BURNETTE!

May God continue to bless Mother Helen’s generous heart, her illuminating soul, her legacy of strength and beauty, and the dynamical posterity she left as a continuation of her awe-inspiring spirit to light up this world!

With love that never goes but only grows,
Your son, Rev. Curtis Everette Gatewood

I am so appreciative for the opportunity to pay tribute to my sister-in-law, Bernice. She gave so much of herself to contribute to the development of us, Willie’s younger siblings. I remember the many trips to the beach (Buckroe Beach) and the park. When I turned 16, she allowed me to develop my driving skills by driving her car to take her to town. I so enjoyed driving a car with a non-clutch gear shift, as our truck had a clutch. One of the most memorable time is when she sang the Lord’s Prayer at my wedding. Loving you with fond memories Bernice!

Aunt Bernice was the kindest and sweetest person ever. She would always let me come down and use her bathroom when I would come down for the summer. That would be my time to sit in the kitchen and talk with her. Her famous line to me was “you’re so feet” lol
I miss her so much.

Aunt Bernice well that’s what I called her. She was actually my second cousin. I loved her very much. As a kid I enjoyed going to her home and always admired how she kept it just like my grandma which was her aunt. That one room that you had no business going in and if you did you would get in trouble. Smell of the home cooked food when you walk thru the door. She was a blessed and sweet woman. God truly got a great soul with him up there. Your legacy will forever live on thru your lovely children and the rest of our family.

Grandma Bernice's legacy continues to live through my family and I. I only saw her for the first 4 years of my life, but I feel like I know her everyday through tributes and stories like these. Thank you

OUR SISTER IN LAW HELEN BERNICE BURNETTE WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON IN SIDE AND OUT.

I miss Aunt Bernice’s warm, loving spirit that always welcomed you with hug!! A beautiful woman who I miss dearly!

I remember meeting Bernice for the first time. There was no mistaking her kind heart and loving spirit. She was so nice and welcoming. I wish she was still with us. I will never forget her. May she Rest In Peace

Hello family and friends. I just love all of this. I think this is the most wonderful way to commemorate such a deserving person. From all I've heard and seen about Mrs. Bernice, I can vividly see why y'all have so much honor and admiration for this beautiful lady. May her legacy continue on in all our lives. With much respect, Kristy Beal-Burnette!

My first cousin that was more like a mother/favorite Aunt, “for really” For her, my love has grown stronger, longer, and I’ll never miss her because of her influence in my life!❤️

WOW!! What a talented WOMAN!! EXCELLED in everything she put her mind to...Our Family is sooo Blessed with her children grandsons granddaughters and greats her presence still live on. 

Hello family and friends of Helen Bernice Burnette. August 6th, 2021 is the 89th anniversary of Helen Bernice Burnette's birth. Please join us by sharing a photo, leaving a tribute, sharing a laugh, lighting a candle, or laying a flower as we commemorate her memory.