Jean Maddox Bernheim

Jean Maddox Bernheim, affectionately known as Mema, was born on November 9, 1928, in Chandler, Oklahoma, to Susanna and Bob Pritchard. She was reunited with the Lord and her loved ones who preceded her on July 21, 2024.

Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, Lovel Devoe Maddox, the father of her children; her second husband, Gus Bernheim; her children, Jimmy Dock Maddox and Sue Maddox Jones; grandsons Ethan Hamaker and Bobby Joe Jones; as well as three sisters and seven brothers.

She is survived by her daughter Shelia Maddox Hamaker (Randy) and her daughter-in-law Sandra Davis Maddox (Jimmy). Jean is also survived by her niece, Geneva Chambers, whom she raised as her own child. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Clay Jones (Melissa), Jeanene Jones Shinn, Brian Maddox (Keri), Jeff Maddox (Marci), Amy Patyk (Michael), Christopher Maddox (Michelle), Amber Klimczak (Steven), Nathan Hamaker (Lizzie), Miranda Campos (Brian), and Allie Hamaker (Travis Williams).

Jean also leaves behind a loving group of great-grandchildren: Lauren Jones Smith (Weston) and Adam Jones (Shanna); Madison Shinn and Blake Blair; Jacob, Morgan, and Jackson Maddox; Davis, Travis, and Bailey Maddox; Adelaide and Harrison Patyk; Elliot, Elizabeth, and Everett Maddox; Hallie and Aubrey Klimczak; Cooper and Jack Hamaker, and Daisy Williams. Additionally, she is survived by her great-great-grandchildren: Hadley, Millie Kate, and Remi Jones, and Charlotte and Lillian Smith.

After the passing of her first husband, Jean relocated from Midland, Texas, to Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1976, she opened the Sunshine Health Food Store and began what would be one of her most important legacies. Soon after opening the store, Jean met and married Gus Bernheim, who became the store's second co-owner. Together, they built the business into a successful venture, expanding to a second location in Bossier City, LA, in 1994. Mema was a pioneer in the local health food industry for over 30 years before retiring.

During her retirement, Jean remained active in her church and community. She was the matriarch and heart of her family, ensuring that family members near and far remained connected.

Mema's presence will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends.

The family would like to express special appreciation to Kitty who loved and cared for Mema throughout her final days and was her steadfast companion and friend. Additionally, we would like to thank The Glen Cottages and Life Path Hospice for their compassionate care during this most difficult time.

Services to honor Jean's life will be led by Pastor Dennis Sims at Ellerbe Road Baptist Church on Friday July 26th at 3:00 pm. A private inurnment will be held on August 3rd in Chandler, Oklahoma.