Life began for Bernice Jones-Henderson, in the sand hills of Cheraw, South Carolina, on July 24, 1951, surrounded by flowers, wild berries, and butterflies. She was the youngest daughter of the late Anderson Burns and Flora Jones. However, when she entered this world, she did not come alone; Bernice, better known as "Bonnie," came with her twin brother, Ernest who was as close as any good brother could be. During the afternoon hours of Wednesday, August 14, 2024, she quietly slipped away at her residence. She was 73 years old when God commissioned his angels to bring her home.

Bonnie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. How does one begin to elaborate on the qualities of such a strong personal woman as she. Her strength exceeded the words persevere and endure because of the many years she held her family on her shoulders.

She attended school in the Coatesville Area School District and graduated from CASH High School in 1970.  She never missed a day of school in her last year.

After graduation, Bernice married and became a homemaker. She was employed as an environmentalist, specializing in domestic restorations which she mastered over the years. Even though times were tough, she never sent her children to school hungry. She would get up at the crack of dawn and cook a nutritious breakfast for her children and made sure they were impeccably dressed.  The aroma from her food would draw them to the kitchen after school. She was a good cook, and her signature dishes were rice and cabbage with oxtails, neckbones, sweet potatoes, ham hocks, collard greens, cornbread, and yes, her barbecue spareribs with her homemade sauce and cornbread stuffing were "No JOKE". Friday nights were her fun nights, she enjoyed playing cards and spending time with family and friends. That was what she lived for.

Bonnie was the life of the party. She loved traveling to different places, as long as she didn't have to fly.  She loved to eat out and enjoyed music and dancing. Her favorite songstress was Anita Baker, and she even met her favorite male singer in person, Anthony Hamilton. His picture still adorns her bedroom.  She loved his song, "Amazing."

For over 30 years, Bonnie was a member of the "Mom's Club,"  facilitated by her Pastor Reverend Jack Crans, and his wife. She devoted her whole life to her children. She was a stylish dresser and known for her big earrings and fashionable sunglasses. Moreover, one of her strongest attributes were that she was proud of who she was. We all watched her take life by the horns and rode it to the very end. Never once did she put herself before family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her life, five children: Andrew Henderson and his wife Charmelle, John Henderson, Bernice Henderson, Mekeisha Henderson, and Lewanda Henderson; six grandchildren: Andrew Henderson III, Dejon Henderson, Neia Henderson, Milana Rose Henderson, Desire Henderson, and Dammond Meeks; great-grandchildren: Zion Lee Henderson, King Henderson, Nazier Mansell, Lawrence Holmes, Nataysia Holmes, Tinaesha Hatfield; one of her closes friends, Yolanda Vaughn and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her twin brother, Ernest "Bug" Jones; sisters: Frances Buchanan, Flora Mae Jones, and Ruth Sheppard; brothers: Melton Ellerbe, Nathaniel Jones, Clee Jones, Tim Jones, Bob Jones, JC "Nugg" Jones, Ernest "Bo" Jones; and a granchild, Kaiden Sailant.

A special note of gratitude to Tara Lee our mother's caregiver during her last days was phenomenal. She treated her as if she was her own mom. Moreover, a big shout-out to our mother's nephew, Anthony Hoggard for being the anchor that held things together for us to sit where we are today. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to her nieces, Brenda, Ashley, and Amanda for their continued support when mom needed it the most.

"Yea, when your heart and flesh shall fail and mortal life will cease, you will all meet me and my father in a land of joy and peace."

Written by, Amanda Buchanan Winkey

Homegoing Service will be held at 10 AM, August 31, 2024, at the Second Baptist Worship Center, 857 Lumber Street, Coatesville PA. A viewing will be held from 8 AM until 9:45 AM.

Click here on Saturday, August 31st at 9:45 AM  EST to WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom.​

Zoom Meeting ID: 846 9015 0438 Passcode: Wright

Interment will be held in New Evergreen Cemetery in Coatesville, PA.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page where all are welcome to light a candle in her memory.

Flowers may be sent to the church on the day of the service. The flower theme colors are peach and white.