Bernice Shackelford

Sis. Bernice Walker Shackelford was born on October 6, 1926 to Gussie Mathis and Rollie Walker. She departed this life on July 16, 2022. She accepted Christ at an early age in Vernon, AL and later in life she united with New Friendship Baptist Church where she was a very faithful member for 75 years. She is the oldest member on record. Bernice married Henry Louis Shackelford on July 6, 1947. She raised four children within the church and participated in many church programs where she often read poems. Also, during her membership at New Friendship, she was Vice-President of the Matron’s Society, Sunday School Secretary for 34 years, kitchen worker for many years, and Treasurer of the benevolence fund. She was a worker in the Davis Creek and Holly Springs District Association Women’s Auxiliary and the Matron and Mission Department. She represented the District in the Northwest District by winning the Wedding of the Roses Contest – Matron Department. She also worked the refreshment stand on the 4th Sundays in July during the Notebook Singings. She became a member of the Blooming Rose Chapter #731 Order of Eastern Star on January 1, 1949, under the leadership of the late Luberta McReynolds. She later served under Worthy Matron Gussie McReynolds in Covin. She served as Treasurer until the chapter was closed. Sister Bernice demitted to the Ervin and McConnell Chapter #323 O.E.S., Fayette, AL where Sis. Cara Whiteside served until her passing. She is the oldest member of Ervin & McConnell #323 and she served as a faithful member of O.E.S. for 73 years. Sis. Bernice continued to come to church each and every Sunday and attend church programs. She had a “green thumb” because she always had a bountiful garden, sharing her vegetables with others.She is preceded in death by her husband Henry Louis Shackelford; son, Terry L. Shackelford; sisters: Tallulah Louise Jeffries, and Willie Mae Walker; brothers: Russell Walker and Roscoe Walker. She leaves to cherish her sweet memories, her daughters: Annie Laura Shackelford of Fayette, AL and Alice (Stanley) Smith of Jacksonville, FL; one son, Louis Aaron Shackelford (Margaret) of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren: Quinton Smith (Molly) of Knoxville, TN, Ursula Sims of Huntsville, AL; great-grandchildren: Kirby and Cooper Smith of Knoxville, TN, Tory Patton, Sr. of Huntsville, AL, Sydni Alexander of Birmingham, AL; great-great-grandchildren: Katoria, Tory, Jr. and Torien Patton; adopted godson, Austin Mclean, and a host of other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Riley Nathaniel Shackelford and Paul Willingham.