Mrs. Bernie Fentress was born April 13, 1951 in Jackson, Tennessee, the daughter of Cleve and Ella Hudson. She departed this life on January 17, 2019, age 67 years.
Bernie relocated to Saginaw, Michigan in 1968 with her husband Murray. She worked for Buena Vista School District as a bus driver until she retired. She took pride in her job and making sure her kids got to school safely and on time. She was always calm under pressure, patient, loving and no nonsense on her bus. The kids adored her and most of all respected her.
Bernie enjoyed playing games on her cell phone, crossword puzzles, fishing and spending time with her family. She was a generous, kind-hearted person that was willing to listen and encourage others around her. Her smile made you feel like everything would be alright. She was a woman that loved the Word of God and ministered through song for many years. Bernie will be greatly missed but we rejoice in knowing that she is now with the Lord, resting from her labor.
On Thursday, January 17, 2019, Bernie was reunited with her father, Cleve Hudson and brother, Cleveland Hudson, who preceded her in death.
She leaves to celebrate her life her loving husband of fifty years, Murray Fentress, Sr.; mother, Ella Hudson; two daughters, Donna Reddick, Nicol (Henry) Winbush; three sons, Murray Jr. (Robin), Byron, Cleve Sr. (Jennifer) Fentress; grandchildren, Jesse, Gabriel, Ciara, DeShonna, Willie, Tatiana, Sanasja "New New", Cleve Jr., Michael, Gabrielle, Tatiana, Jayveon, Michael; sisters, Alberta Northern, Anita Ransom, Mary (Otis) Brown; brothers, Thomas "Peanut", Oscar "Squirt" (Angelia), James "Snowball" (Tammy) Hudson; sisters-in-law, Vera (Cliff) Merriweather, Bonnie Allen, Sandra Fentress; brothers-in-law, Wilson (Callie), TJ (Brooxie), Joe Fentress; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including special friends Mary Evans and Deborah Smith.
The family would like to express special thanks to New Life Baptist Church, Spiritual Macedonia Baptist Church, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, St. Mary’s Hospital and Reverence Hospice Team.
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