Bernie Jean Pounds

The beautiful Bernie Jean Pounds

was born October 13, 1932, in Tyler Town Mississippi. She was born to the parents of Ms. Thannie McGee and Mr. Silas Youngblood. Bernie Jean was the ninth child out of eleven. Her siblings who preceded her in death are Allie, Ora Dee, Jessie Murl, Johnnie Bee, Lovie Lee, Lorea, Frankie, Easley and Alton. Her younger brother Delois Youngblood remains earthside in Louisiana. Her children, Willie Mearl and Mitchel Pounds also precede her in death.

Bernie Jean was raised by her aunt and uncle in Mississippi. Like many children of her time, she was afforded to go to school until elementary and was then expected to help her family tends to their crops. Although she grew up in the very segregated and racialized south, Bernie Jean always kept a playful and grounded spirit as a child. This was seen as she could be heard, singing everywhere she went and was always willing to help others.

At the age of 20 Bernie Jean met and married her husband G.W Pounds, the two of them birthed and parented four children, Larry, Willie Mearl, Mitchell and Jeanette Pounds. Seeking a better life, Bernie Jean and her immediate family moved to the sun shining -state of California. They migrated to find better employment and more opportunities; as the West had promised many African Americans in the 1960s.

Bernie Jean was greeted by her family Lorea and Tom Williams in Pasadena, California. She quickly gained employment in the hospitality profession, which she worked in for over 35 years and ultimately retired in. Throughout those years, Bernie Jean, known to many as “Aunt Bern” or “Granny”, worked tirelessly as a widowed mother. She instilled values such as faith in God, hard work, and family unity to her children. She became an active member at Deliverance Tabernacle Church and sang in the Golden Warriors choir for years. She became a prayer warrior for and prayed for and with, anyone who needed some help from God. She used her beautiful and anointed voice to sing praises for the lord and her spirit of service, to help anyone who was in need. Bernie Jean loved to cook and made sure she made a “big ol’ pot” of something for every family cookout. She would make sure her “babies” always had a plate in tow when they left. 

Although she was saved, Bernie Jean was known for her wit, humor, discipline and how quick she could put someone in their rightful place. She had a love for good times and family and found a new love and companionship in Mr. Travis Lee Wright. The two enjoyed each other until he was called to heaven in 2005. Bernie Jean traveled all over the world to support and visit her family. She enjoyed traveling, appreciated good food and loved good company. 

After living a full life, Bernie Jean was called home to her heavenly father on May 1, 2019, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those she loved, and those who loved her. Her spirit lives on, in all those whom she has touched including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Our beloved Bernie Jean will be deeply missed, her lessons cherished and her legacy continued.