Bernice DeBose Birdner

 Sister Bernice DeBose –Birdner

 (Madea)

{Her Life and Reflections}

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10.

Monday, May 30, 1921 was just another day for many of the residents of the small hamlet of Mer Rouge, Louisiana  But, for Earnest and Irene Roy Debose  Monday, May 30, 1921 was the day God blessed them with a beautiful girl child.  They would name her Bernice Debose.  On Thursday, February 21, 2019 God sent His Angel of Mercy to 1406 Lee Street.  As Ruthie, her daughter, gently combed her hair, the beauty that only God can bestow glowed on her face Bernice Debose Birdner stepped from mortality into immortality and joined her parents Earnest and Irene; six siblings: Minerva, Elager (Tootnanny) Lucille, Kizzy, Joseph and Thomas; also four children: James, Ervin, Mae Ollie and June  who had gone on before. God picked a flower for his garden of everlasting life. Madea, Mama Niecie was chosen   to be a part of that special bouquet and what a beautiful rose she was.

Sister Birdner confessed Christ and was baptized at an early age became a member of the First Baptist Church in Mer Rouge, Louisiana. Later she joined the New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W. S. Sanders, the late Reverend Willie Minor Jar,. Reverend Clee E. Lowe, Dr. George Glass Jr, and Pastor Eddie J. Douzart III.

She served as a member of the choir and later became a Mother of the Church. She was truly a faithful  and devoted member.

Bernice was employed by the Morehouse Parish School System at the Bastrop Jr High East Campus as a custodian.  Simply known as Ms. Niecie, she was loved and respected by the students and the adults that worked with her.

During her lifetime here on earth, Bernice touched many hearts, young and old. Her home was a haven for so many who would come by for advice and words of wisdom.  Her  home was always open to all and  her kitchen was always full  of  good  food. She was affection ally called Madea, Mama Niecie, and Ms Niecie because of her sweet spirit, humble heart and love for everyone. She had a passion for fishing, gardening, and cooking.

She leaves loving treasures of her memories that will be cherished by her devoted daughters Irene Lanier, Ruthie DeBose of Bastrop, LA, and Annie (Joseph) Lucas of  Detroit, MI. and one loving  son Micheal (Gwendolyn) DeBose of Baton Rouge, LA; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-five  great grandchildren; forty-one  great great grandchildren; 1 great great great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice DeBose Birdner, please visit our floral store.