LaVerne Jones Bernard

LaVerne Jones Bernard, a beloved matriarch, was born on February 8, 1936, although she was legally documented as being born a year earlier. A charming twist to her life story that she carried with grace.

LaVerne peacefully concluded her journey on February 23, 2025, after courageously battling dementia and COPD for nearly three years. She spent her last days enveloped in the love and care of Sentara Halifax Hospice in Virginia. Since September 2022, LaVerne had been living with her youngest daughter, Robin, and her family in Clarksville, Virginia, where her gentle smile and friendly demeanor touched the hearts of all who visited her.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her cherished parents, Lee Roy Jones and Daphine Chambers Jones Burley Humphries, her sister Dean Jones Henderson, and her devoted husband, Herbert Francis “Barney” Bernard, with whom she shared 44 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in July 1997.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her three daughters: Beverly Bernard Fedewa (Mike), Tammie Bernard Dixon (Jeff), and Robin Bernard Garrett (Timmy). Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren—Michael Joseph Fedewa, Jr. (Shaheen), Doranna Fedewa Koinis (Gerry), Jeffrey Thomas Dixon, Jr. (Shelby), Jordan Taylor Dixon, Jennifer Blair Dixon Garrett (Chase), and Nolan Bernard Boyd—and her six great-grandchildren: Leena Marie Koinis, Jude Bernard Fedewa, Thomas Joseph (TJ) Koinis, Isla Jane Fedewa, Lydia Margaret Koinis, and Whitney Michelle Dixon. LaVerne is also survived by her sister, Patsy Perkins, her brothers, Wayne Jones and Sammy Jones, and a host of adored nieces and nephews too numerous to name..

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to LaVerne’s dedicated caretakers—Cora Hawley, Emma Hargrove, and Annette Osborne—whose compassionate support allowed LaVerne to be surrounded by love for as long as possible. A special mention goes to her dear friends Mary Denny and Linda Rush, who loyally visited LaVerne every month throughout her illness. The family is also deeply thankful for the exceptional care and guidance provided by Sentara Halifax Hospice in South Boston, Virginia.

LaVerne’s professional journey began when she moved to Oxford, North Carolina, at the young age of 19 to build a life with Barney. She proudly served as an Administrative Assistant to Rep. William T. Watkins, a prominent lawyer and a long-standing member of the House of Representatives. LaVerne worked tirelessly for the same law office for 61 years, earning the affectionate title of “Della Street” from Mr. Watkins. In her community, she was an active participant in organizations such as The Exchange Club, the Investment Club, the Oxford Women’s Club, and the Oxford Business and Professional Women’s Club. Additionally, LaVerne ran a successful side business assisting residents with their income tax returns, showcasing her dedication to serving her neighbors.

To honor her remarkable life, family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 pm at Gentry, Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home, located at 503 College Street, Oxford, NC. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. James Catholic Church, 3275 Hwy 158 Bypass, Henderson, NC, followed by her eternal rest at the Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James Catholic Church or Sentara Halifax Hospice, both of which provided unwavering support to LaVerne and her family during her time of need.

St. James Catholic Church - www.stjamescatholichenderson.org or mail to 3275 US Highway 158 Bypass, Henderson, NC 

Sentura Halifax Hospice. c/o Priscilla Sanford, 220 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA, 24592 or to www.sentura.com 

The family welcomes friends to gather at their homes in remembrance of LaVerne’s extraordinary spirit.

LaVerne Jones Bernard will be deeply missed, but her love and warmth will continue to inspire all who knew her.   Gentry-Newell & Vaughan is caring for the Bernard family with compassion and grace in their honor. Online memorials may be made in her honor to : www.gnvfuneralhome.com