Life Story
Bernadette Andrews was born August 19, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Gilbert and Geraldine Haynes. She left the world peacefully on June 8, 2023. She was one of nine children.
Bernadette, sometimes known as “Bernie” to friends and “Degals” to family, was a homemaker and later employed as a School Bus Driver in Freeport, New York, where she retired. Bernadette then moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where she became a licensed Day Care Provider and later worked at Senior Friendship Center as a Nutritionist Coordinator. As the coordinator, she enjoyed scheduling events for residents throughout the year.
Bernie lived life to the fullest, she enjoyed hosting family and events at her home. Those who knew Bernie, can think back and remember the house pool parties and barbeques. She enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, and going to the beach. For those who knew Bernie, know she loved fashion. She loved to get dressed up, hair done, have a fresh manicure and pedicure and a jewelry collection that you could only imagine. She was sassy and her conversation was unfiltered at times. At an early age she taught herself how to sew, making her own clothing and home decor.
Bernadette loved and cared for grandchildren over the years, spending time with them at parks, pools, game rooms, as well as at home watching Netflix. She truly loved ALL her grandchildren with all her heart and really loved seeing her family succeed.
Bernie also loved her animals, throughout the years, she had several dogs: Jazz and Roscoe to name two, grand-dogs, Kobe, Bailey, and GiGi. Her parrot, Charlie, along with gerbils and even goldfish.
Though Bernadette was born in Maryland, she loved New York and came to embrace Florida as a true Floridian.
Bernie was a person who always helped others, she was very energetic and loved being around people. Even during her time being sick herself, she continued to help others, volunteering to take seniors to medical appointments and even grocery shopping until she was no longer able to.
Bernadette was an active member of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Fort Myers, under the leadership of Pastor James Givens, where she served on the Missionary and Usher Boards. Bernadette was also an active member of Zeta Amicae Sorority.
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Bernadette is proceeded in death by her brothers, Gilbert Haynes Jr., Carnell Haynes, Gregory Haynes, and her sister, Sandra Haynes.
Bernadette leaves to cherish her memory: her children; Lesia Mattox (Ronald) and Paulette Whaley (Jeremiah) of Frederica, Delaware, Nicki Andrews (Norman Butler) of Durham, North Carolina, and Jamie Gray of Fort Myers, Florida; grandchildren, Jemel Burch, Jeffrey Braddy, Kiani Andrews, Justin Braddy, Carl (Tyra) Burch, Dedrick Gray Jr., Jayden Gray, Kai Gray, Zhuri Gray, and Zaya Gray; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings, Nellie James, Laverne Banks, Annette Haynes, and Deborah Hurt; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Bernie also leaves to cherish her memory, the many co-workers she had and very special friends, Beverly Harris of New York, Mary Carter and Joy Bonnaig, of Florida.