Bernice Helton Whaley Cleveland, Tennessee Obituary

Bernice Helton Whaley

Bernice Helton Whaley, 82, was embraced by her Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 15, 2018. A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Bernice attended City High School. She started her career as a legal secretary in the early 50s working for VanCleave and Hatfield. She later worked for Fort and Lee, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and finished her long professional career as Judicial Assistant to Bankruptcy Judge, John C. Cook, where she retired in 2006. She is a member of Silverdale Baptist Church, where she was active in the Primetimers Senior Adult ministry. Bernice was preceded in death by her mother, Lucy Helton; father, William Leslie Helton; brother, William Leslie (Buddy) Helton; and a sister, Flo Hornsby. Bernice is survived by her sister, Faye Goforth, sister-in-law, Mary Helton, daughter, Lynn Whaley; son, Al Whaley (Anchorage, AK); grandson, Parker Whaley (St. Louis, MO); granddaughter, Tess Whaley (Anchorage, AK); and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Thursday, April 19, from 4:00-6:00 with a Celebration of Life service at 6:00 in the Chapel (door #6) at Silverdale Baptist Church, 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, with the Rev. Tony Walliser officiating. There will be a reception for all immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernice’s name may be made to Silverdale Baptist Church, the James 1:27 Ministry. You are invited to share a personal memory of Bernice or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Whaley family with these arrangements.
November 22, 1935 - April 15, 201811/22/193504/15/2018
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Bernice Helton Whaley
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April Saucier
April 19, 2018
I have so many wonderful memories of you Aunt Bernice. You and Lynn have always been so supportive to me. I’m so thankful that God blesses me with a wonderful Great Aunt.

Love,
April
Fishing was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
Fishing was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Thank you so much, April. Mom loved ALL her nieces and nephews so much!
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John Cook
April 19, 2018
I was so fortunate to have worked for many years with one of the premier legal secretaries in Chattanooga. Bernice started with me as a legal secretary, and then she became my judicial assistant after we moved from the U.S. Attorney's office to the bankruptcy court. Ber... Continue Reading
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Judge Cook, thank you for these great memories!
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Connie Wright
April 18, 2018
For three days now I've been remembering my long long time friend Bernice. What a pleasure for me that she was part of my life--she included everyone but I always thought I was her favorite friend in the world--that's how she made me feel. Pictures are flashing in my ... Continue Reading
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Oh happy day is right!
Anette Norris
April 18, 2018
My very earliest memory of Aunt Bernice was sitting at her kitchen table on 6th Avenue in Chattanooga with her, Faye, and Mz. Helton playing jacks. Oh, how I loved to hear her laugh! She always encouraged us to do our best to be our best....even in play.
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Sweet times! Thank you, Annette, for sharing!
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Tribute Store
April 18, 2018
Full Of Love Bouquet

Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Bernice Helton Whaley.

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Joyce Brown
April 18, 2018
What a precious angel and a delight to all who knew her. The infectous smile and her love for our Lord and Savior will always have a special place in my heart and hearts of many others. Prayers are with you Lynn and your entire family.
Heart was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
Heart was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Thank you, Joyce. Your words and hugs this morning at church meant everything!
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Mary Wagner
April 18, 2018
I only met Bernice a few years ago when Lynn so graciously helped us plan our perfect Alaskan vacation and brought her sweet mother to our lunch/planning meetings. Such a sweet lady with an ever-present smile. How lucky she was to have such a giving, caring, loving daugh... Continue Reading
Angel Wings was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
Angel Wings was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Thank you, Mary. You and Donna were so sweet to include her all the time. I appreciate it more than I can say. Love to you both!
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Chuck Patrick
April 18, 2018
Lynn & Family,
Praying for you in the home going of your PRECIOUS mother. She will be greatly missed by so many because of her infectious joy that obviously emanated from her deep relationship with Jesus. I'm confident she is worshiping with our amazing Lord right no... Continue Reading
Candle of Peace was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
Candle of Peace was posted for Bernice Helton Whaley.
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Lynn whaley
April 22, 2018
Thank you, Chuck. She loved you and your hugs!