Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Bernice V. Guerrant was born on June 19, 1936 to the late John Lee Stewart and Bertha M. Davis Stewart and raised in Winding Gulf, WV.

She married the late Carlson S. Guerrant in July, 1957 and four children were born of this union, Teresa L. Guerrant of Washington, DC, Karen D. Hairston (Mervin) of Beckley, WV, Toni Lynette Robinson (Michael) of Roseland, VA (with whom she resided since January 21, 2021) and Carlson S. Guerrant Jr. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Her stepson, Alfred Dean Guerrant, pre-deceased her.

She has four grandchildren, Eric Carr, Traci Hairston, Derrick Carr, and Aaron Hairston and three great-grandchildren, Makayla Carr, Mikkah Carr, and Michael Hairston.

Bernice has nine siblings, Avaurn S. Staples (deceased), Marvin L. Stewart (deceased), James Stewart (deceased), Edith Mae Gilreath (de- ceased), Jane Lou Ash of Syracuse, NY, Marie McCall of West Babylon, NY, Barbara Stewart of Wyandanch, NY, Raymond Stewart (Phyllis)
of Lansing, NC, and Delores “Francina” Copeland of Greenville, SC; a dear friend Joanne Cox of Galax, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Bernice graduated from Byrd Prillerman High School and was a devoted wife and mother. In her early Christian years, she attended Collins Temple Baptist Church and the AME Church in Winding Gulf. Later in life she moved to Galax, VA, where she attended Old Town Baptist Church. After returning to Beckley, WV she became a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church in Fayetteville, WV. Bernice sought the presence of God in her life by keeping a journal of scripture, prayers, and praise to God. Even in her last days, when she forgot everyone and everything else, she remembered Jesus and would continuously call on His name.

Bernice Guerrant peacefully departed her earthly life at 87 years old on September 13, 2023 for her heavenly home. We love her and are at peace knowing that we will be together again in the loving presence of God.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Gospel Lighthouse 206 Washington St Fayetteville with Pastor Mervin Hairston officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.