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Born June 26, 1953, to Dr. and Mrs. James T. Bernard, Nancy was a precocious child who always managed to create inventive ways of being a prankster or a practical joker. After an eventful life as a child, growing up in Baton Rouge, LA, Nancy attended Southern University and University of Maryland, Silver Springs for Undergraduate studies, after which she pursued a degree in Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee Institute. Following a brief stint in South Carolina, she began her career of service, volunteering with the Peace Corps. She then accepted assignments with Southern University, Africare, and finally again with the Peace Corps as a Country Director. Afterwards, she continued her life of service, by returning to Baton Rouge to care for her parents. She leaves with us her mother, Veraldine Bernard, her brother, Wayne Bernard (Cheryl Brown Bernard), sister, Tina Bernard, her adoring Bulldog, Chubbs McDoodle Hitchcock, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. We will miss her dearly. June 26, 1953 to May 21, 2013. Religious service at Hall's Celebration Center on Tuesday, May 28 at 1 p.m. Arrangements with Hall Davis and Son, (225) 778-1612. Please sign guest book at www.hallsinc.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I will never forget you. You were the greatest Peace Corps Country Director of Senegal in my opinion. I will always love you for the all the work you did for the Senegalese people and me.
Florence Patterson
Coworker
May 20, 2021
Dear Bernard Family,
Sending you peace and love on this anniversary of Nancy's passing. She helped so many people... and animals. :-). In the DRC/Zaire, she passed on to me several items clothing that I occasionally wear to this day in her memory.
Sincerely,
Kate Whetten - PCV Zaire/DRC 1986-1990
Kathryn Whetten
Friend
May 20, 2020
I miss you Nancy!
Barbara Stahler
Friend
May 19, 2019
I was in the Peace Corps with Nancy in what was formerly called Zaire. She was a really special friend with lots of laughter and love. She had an attack turkey that corned me and scared the heck out of me ... which she found really funny :-). I thought I would see her again.... I guess I will have to wait.
June 23, 2014
Today I just learned of Nancy's passing last year - my prayers & thoughts go out to her family. She gave me the gift of her friendship when we met in Tuskegee! Good times! God's will is not known to us & we faithfully know her to be at peace...her sweet spirit & infectious laugh is now shared with the angels. I think of her and smile.
gail scott
June 12, 2014
It is with great sadness that i discover this obituary of Nancy today. Nancy was a great friend to not only me but a host of my fellow african friends studing in Baton Rouge. Her infectious smile, kind personality and just a down to earth fun loving person made a wonderful friend. i have tried to search for her through out the years but i guess it was not to be. Today on one of my random searches, i see that my friend sleeps for eternity. thank you Nancy for your friendship. My condolences to your family. RIP
Annette Aksdal
December 5, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was a true soldier and help mate for me and others during our veterinary school experience.
Catherine O. Banks
August 1, 2013
Dearest Bernard Family, my heart and deepest sympathies go out to you on the passing of dear Nancy. May God's promise of comfort be with you during this time and please know that you are fervently in my prayers. May God bless you always. Love Sharon (Bryant) Zimmerman
Sharon
June 27, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. Wayne and Cheryl and the Bernard family are in my prayers.
Hermine Milligan-Morgan
June 25, 2013
I don't want this to be true ! I was with Nancy in the south when I went to Spelman .She brought me to her familys home. May God bless the family. We spoke a number of years back. Debbie Smith [email protected]
June 24, 2013
My sincere condolences on the passing of your daughter and sister Nancy. Our paths crossed when we both served as country directors for the Peace Corps in West Africa. Although the time we spent together was brief -- it was rememberial. When Nancy showed up at a meeting or party, her intelligence, joie de vivre, and honesty always took the occasion to a higher level.
Tom Morgan,
Former Country Director, The Gambia
June 15, 2013
To the Bernard Family,
I just learned of Nancy's journey “Home” and it saddens me so much.
You are so bless to have had the privilege of Nancy being a part of your life journey. Nancy was the exception to the rule of a person on this earth. She is and was that Angel among us that most of us recognized right away when you met her. I was so very lucky to have that time with her in the Peace Corps. I will always remember seeing Nancy in the Dakar, Senegal Airport in the early morning waiting to greet the new volunteers with open arms in September 2000. She was the best Country Director, I feel, that the Peace Corps will ever have. Nancy worked from sun up to sun down to have us feel welcomed. She brought love and understanding to all of us.
I was one of the older volunteers struggling with the languages, but making her proud of all the accomplishments that I brought to Goree Island, made up for that struggle. Unfortunately, Nancy left Senegal before I did, and I will never forget her parting words as she was leaving and gave me a hug and a book. She said, “Florence (Salimata Ba, my Senegalese name) you will be fine because the Senegalese will take care of you” I thought to myself that those were strange words since I was among Americans, however, I understood. Nancy was not only extremely intelligent, but wise and spiritual. She will be greatly missed by all of us who loved Nancy so very much.
Florence Ghoram Patterson
Florence Patterson
June 12, 2013
It is in Senegal that Nancy and I met during her time as the Peace Corps Country Director. The news of her passing is just reaching those of us who knew her then. Everyone is clearly stunned. To her family and her many friends who are literally spread across the globe, my sincerest condolences; May the spirit of God, the angels, saints and ancestors comfort your hearts; May you smile, as I will and I believe others will, too, when we think of Nancy. I will remember her commitment to being a part of the change for the good in Africa and in this world of ours and also her devotion to her family, especially her parents. I will light a candle in her memory at Notre Dame des Victoires Cathedrale here in Dakar, Senegal. Her light will forever shine in the hearts and memories of those who had the privilege to know her and call her sister and friend.
WilmaJeanEmanuel RANDLE
June 12, 2013
I am just hearing this today, June 11. She was a wonderful, kind, committed friend. We were in Peace Corps Country Director training together-and were fast friends from then on...I visited her in Senegal and she came to Cape Verde where I was based...how she loved kids and animals. My sympathy to Nancy's family.
With love,
Barbara Stahler
Barbara Stahler
June 11, 2013
Adventure, excitement, fun. That was Nancy. In her hands, the most ordinary of everyday things became an adventure and the mundane made unique. She was generous, quickly given to extending a helping hand. Children were attracted to her and she was funny, oh so funny. Her cartoon caricatures of people were always right on target. Most of all, she was my best friend. I will miss her but; she will continue to live on in my memories. My deepest sympathy to her family and all who mourn her passing.
Doris G. Fultz
June 4, 2013
Praying for the family, David and I had breakfast with her in February She will be missed
Ruth LeNoir-Hudson
May 31, 2013
I just heard of your passing, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer under Nancy during 2001-2003 in Senegal.
My condolences and sympathy to her family. She was a very caring person with a big heart.
-Kenn
Kenn Miller
May 31, 2013
MY SISTER SENT ME A TEXT AND EXPLAINED MY DEAR TRUE FRIEND, NANCY WAS GONE. I REMEMBER DAYS AT SOUTHERN HIGH GOING TO CLASS AND BY THE TIME THE WEEKEND ROLLED AROUND IT WAS TIME TO HAVE FUN. I WOULD MEET UP WITH WAYNE, VANESS, HILLARY AND RAPHAEL. I WOULD ALWAYS TAKE TIME OUT TO TALK TO NANCY WHEN I WAS AT THE BERNARD'S. WE EVENTUALLY BECAME GOOD FRIENDS, SHARED MANY MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS AND ACCEPTED HER GOOD ADVISE. YOU ARE TRULY IN A BETTER PLACE MY FRIEND AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN SO WE CAN LAUGH AND TALK ABOUT THE THINGS WE DID GROWING UP, MOST OF ALL THE FOND MEMORIES WE SHARED.
PFC./SPEC.GAYLORD R.BOYD,BRENDA
RAPHAEL II, EZRA AND E'MAN
GAYLORD R. BOYD
May 30, 2013
My first memories of Nancy come from being a part of the Southern Lab family. She was in the class 2 years ahead in elementary school and even back then I thought she was a beauty to look up to-- not just for her beautiful face, but because of her delightful personality and her intelligence. These last few years we reconnected on Facebook and it was a neighbor who informed me that she had gone home. I know that it where she is--so she is not a loss. She is home and in her mansion as Christ promised. We will miss her on this side but I know we will meet again on the other side. My prayer for family and friends is to find comfort in God's promises.
"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant" (Psalm 119:76).
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).
See you later, Nancy! I hope my mansion is near yours!
Kathy (Nichols) Michael
May 30, 2013
To The Bernard Family
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I hope comfort comes from all who love you.
Audree Vaughn
May 30, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Detra Langley
May 30, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
May 30, 2013
To the Bernard Family
There are no words that can express my sympathy. I pray that God's grace and promises provides comfort and peace. I always carry memories of our conversations from her Africa experiences and its impact on how we view life.
She was blessed with richness of life in both her experiences and with her family and friends. She will be missed.
Angela White
May 29, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. As a classmate (at Tuskegee), I had the privilege of visiting Nancy at home. I know that she was loved dearly by her family and friends. Her laugh was joyous, her light was luminous and my prayers are with you.
Pamela Hunter
May 29, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Dianne Shelmire
May 28, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
May 28, 2013
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Terry
May 28, 2013
My Deepest Sympathy; Though He cause grief, yet He will show compassion; God's Grace is indescribable Cheryl, Alex, & Miilton Reams III
May 28, 2013
Aunt Bobbie, Wayne and Tina....please accept our deepest sympathies. Nancy was a truly unique individual and leaves a cherished legacy behind......Jackie, Mackie and Sam
May 28, 2013
To The Barnard Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolances. Our families shared so many wonderful times.Nancy will always be such a special friend. I will miss her dearly.
Oliver Spellman
May 28, 2013
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE BERNARD FAMILY & FRIENDS .....ANOTHER SWEET ANGEL TO WATCH OVER US ALL FROM GOD'S KINGDOM .........RIP MY DEAR FRIEND, MISSING YOU WITH FOND MEMORIES .............JACKIE B.
JACQUELINE BANKS
May 28, 2013
Nancy was a very kind and loving individual. I will always remember her smile. I met her when I was in GIrl Scouts and with friends I knew at St. Joseph's Academy and Southern Lab. I will remember her always.
Lynette Oby
May 27, 2013
Prayers to the family. Will truly miss Nancy RIP
May 27, 2013
I hope the family will find comfort in understanding her giving spirit, we have shared in her joys on earth. Now she will give joy from above. We will always remember her outstanding services to mankind.
Joycelyn Spooner Robinson
May 27, 2013
We are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you an added portion of His love, strength and peace, especially during this time.
Ollivette & the Mencer Family
May 27, 2013
We all knew and loved Nancy! We will miss her too. May God grant you His love and peace.
The Eddie Hildreth Family
Eddie and Gladys Hildreth
May 27, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. May you find strength in God who gives comfort to all the mourning ones. Isaiah 61:2
Linda
May 27, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Bernard family
Luttrell and Edith Cox
May 27, 2013
WE'RE HOLDING YOU CLOSE
We may not understand
All that you're passing through,
But we're deeply concerned
And we're praying for you.
We may not fully grasp
The grief and loss you bear,
But we're holding you close
In arms of faith and prayer.
And May God's arms hold you-
Hold you so close, we pray,
That you'll be lifted up
To higher ground today.
PRAYERS AND LOVE,
THE LOUISIANA COALITION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
May 27, 2013
My prayers to all in the Bernard family--my friends and neighbors for so many years. Missing Nancy with fond memories.
Sylvia Essex Winder
May 27, 2013
My prayers for all in the Bernard family, a family that has been like my family for years. Nancy was so special to so many.Such a grea loss in our community.
Sylvia Essex Winder
May 27, 2013
I was so sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. It seems like I have known her all my life. Another one of the the Southern Heights gang gone to glory. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely, Muriel Haysbert
Muriel Haysbert
May 27, 2013
RIP my friend. You will be missed, but you pass on to a better place.
E.S. Jenkins
May 27, 2013
I never met anyone who was more intuned with Nature. Now her spirit has been released from the physical to touch even more souls.
Marvin Ginns Sr
May 26, 2013
I will remember her with fond memories.
Pier Scott
May 26, 2013
Our condolences go to the family. You are in our prayers.
Reginald Cole
May 26, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Durinda and Gwendolyn Jase Robinson
May 26, 2013
I still can not believe she is gone. The family has my deepest sympathy, prayers and condolences. Nancy will always live on in my heart.
Cherryl Forbes Montgomery
May 26, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Vernita Hamilton
May 26, 2013
I want to convey my condolences to the Bernard family. I 'm so sorry for your loss.
May 26, 2013
So sorry for your lost. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Deborah Ward
May 25, 2013
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