Bernadette Monique "Bernie" King

Bernadette Monique Coursey, beloved daughter of Hope and the late Charles E. Coursey, was born on June 7, 1971. She transitioned from this life on Monday, February 10, 2025, due to an unexpected illness. Bernadette, affectionately known as "Bernie," holds the unique distinction of being the last baby born at Millville Hospital. A proud resident of Port Norris, NJ, she attended Port Norris Elementary and Middle Schools before graduating from Millville High School in 1989. Bernadette then pursued her education at Cumberland County College.
In 1991, Bernadette joined the US Army, serving as a Food Services Specialist with deployments in South Carolina, Washington State, Germany, and Guantanamo Bay. She received an honorable discharge in 1995. Bernadette's career included working at Durand Glass and a 14-year tenure as a Cook Instructor at Bayside State Prison for the Department of Corrections.
Bernadette was an active member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, where she attended Sunday school, sang in the children's choir, and served as a youth usher. As an adult, she contributed her talents to the kitchen committee and played a key role in the Annual Family and Friends Day. Bernadette was also a proud member of the Ionic Chapter of the Eastern Star in Bridgeton, NJ, and a cherished "Pinkie" of the Red Hatters.
Even as a child, Bernadette was both fearless and highly intelligent. She cherished spending time with her grandfather, Peter Heath Sr., and loved going on car rides with her dad. As the family's self-proclaimed historian and storyteller, she held a special place in their hearts, always prioritizing family above all else. Bernadette had a keen sense of discernment, making her family her closest friends. Known affectionately as the "Original Cherry Street Kid," her strength and tenacity were undeniable, right up until the very end. Her "Keep It Real" attitude and unconditional love made her a beloved figure. To know Bernadette was to love her, as she embodied genuineness and possessed a loving soul.
There were three significant milestones in Bernadette's life. The first was when she gave her life to Christ. The second was becoming a mother to Claire M. Harden in 1991 and Amber N. Coursey in 1993. Despite having many friends, Bernadette often noticed that she was the only one without grandchildren. The third milestone came when she joyfully joined the grandmother club on March 4, 2023, with the birth of Kiera Kimberly, affectionately known as KK. KK brought an immense light and love into Bernadette's life, making her even more grateful and drawing her closer to GOD.
Bernadette had a passion for reading, Wet n Wild makeup products, and going to casinos. She loved flipping through Bronze Thrills magazines, experimenting with weekly hairstyles, and savoring a great steak. Bernadette enjoyed cooking, swimming at Union Lake and Wildwood with her family, and indulging in Chinese food. She was often seen taking pictures, celebrating Christmas at Chuck and GiGi's, and attending house parties.
Bernadette was a dedicated supporter of her sister Melissa, a St. Joseph's University Hall of Fame recipient, and could always be found cheering her on at basketball games. Known for her fierce spades game, Bernadette treated the card game as a sport and played to win. She had a knack for wordplay and was always ready for a challenge.
Music was another one of Bernadette's loves, particularly Prince, with whom she shared a birthday. Her favorite song was "Purple Rain," and she celebrated her 50th birthday in true "Purple Rain" style with her family and friends. In her later years, Bernadette often sang "Well Done" by Deitrick Haddon, a song she cherished, and which brought a radiant glow to her face whenever she heard it. Movies also played a significant role in her life. She loved attending Saturday matinees on Landis Avenue, often with her family arriving in carloads, or renting videos from Video Express. One of her favorite movies was "The Color Purple," and she could frequently be seen reciting lines or singing along to the film. She especially loved the character Shug and often sang "God's Trying to Tell You Something" with great passion and joy.
Bernadette was predeceased by; her father, Charles E. Coursey; and her grandparents, Peter and Katharine Heath, Charles (Bud) and Cecelia Coursey and Mary Coursey. She leaves behind to cherish her memory; her daughters, Claire Harden (Port Norris) and Amber Coursey (Millville, NJ), her loving granddaughter, Kiera Kimberly Harden; her mother, Hope Heath Coursey (Port Norris); three sisters, Tina M. Weeks (Harry) of Millville, NJ, Yamilia aka GiGi Coursey-Nelson (Shawn) of Tinton Falls, NJ and Melissa K. Coursey of Baltimore, MD; one brother, Charles E. (Chucky) Coursey III of Tinton Falls, NJ; four nieces; two nephews; as well as ten aunts; eight uncles; and a large host of additional family members and friends. Bernadette shared a special friendship and bond with her Cherry Street sister, Mondell Matthews.
Lovingly Submitted, The Family
Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church 2411 Memorial Ave, Port Norris, on Saturday, February 22nd at 12 NOON. Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM to 12 NOON prior to the service. Interment will take place at Haleyville Methodist Cemetery, Steep Run Rd. following the service. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.