Evelyn (Gran) Ford Bernard, 79, former resident of Orange and Bridge City resident of 53 years, passed away Monday, February 3, 2014, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am, Friday, February 7, 2014, at St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City with Reverend Steve Leger officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.
Visitation will be from 5pm to 8pm, Thursday at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Bridge City. Rosary will be recited at 6pm with Deacon Eddie Blankenstein.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on September 5, 1934, Evelyn was the daughter of Louis Olney Ford and Ona Iris (Sanders) Ford. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Evelyn graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1952; she then attended Chenier Business School. Evelyn worked as a secretary for Orangefield Independent School District and retired after 22 years. She enjoyed playing bridge with her retired friends and watching her T.V. shows, Judge Judy and Wheel of Fortune; but Evelyn’s most cherished activity was spending time with her grandbabies and great-grandbabies.
She is survived by her husband, G.L. (Bobby) Bernard; daughters, Andrea Bernard, Babette Philpott and husband, Mark; son, Louis Bernard, all of Bridge City; grandchildren, Christine Church, Ben and Brittany Ernst, Christopher “Topher” Church, Bret Philpott; great-grandchildren, Kate Ernst, Abigayle Ernst, Wyatt Ernst, Jax Ernst, Kaylianne Church, Jozette Church; and brothers, J.T. Ford of Bridge City, John and Geraldine Ford of Richmond.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Ernst, Christopher Church, Bret Philpott, Mark Philpott, Calvin Corkan, and Jody Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation or the American Heart Association.
Special thanks to Dr. Reji John and Stephanie Bulva, RN for their care and support during Evelyn’s illness.
Condolences
P.Knight
February 11, 2014
I am sorry for yor lose death is not a
natural thing that's way we are so
upset when we lose a loved one to
death. The bible talks about a time
when death will be no more in
Revelation 21:4. I would be more than
happy to more fully explain this hope
to you and other bible truths you can
reach me at Kbidotkom@gmail.com.
Randy L. Philpott Sr.
February 7, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Evelyn.She was a very kind and loving woman. She was also the best mother-in-law that there ever could be. Bobby,Andrea,Babette and Lewis,thank you so much for the memories. May God be with each and every one of you in your time of grief and sorrow. Randy
Patty
February 7, 2014
My heart breaks for Uncle Bobby, Andrea, Babette. Louis and their entire family. What great memories will I always cherish of Aunt Evelyn. She treated all of us like we were her kids too. Always had a hug, smile and kind word to say every time she saw me. You will be greatly missed Aunt Evelyn! We can take comfort in knowing we will see you again one day and until then, we've got one terrific guardian angel watching over us. Patty
Delores Matthews
February 7, 2014
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. and that is what Evelyn was, a treasure with always a smile on her face.With our loss of Rachel hearing of of this loss, We will have to ask the Lord to help us bear It all. and give us peace. Delores Matthews, Orange, Texas
Anita Lake
February 5, 2014
Of all the years of our families spending so much time together, I cannot even think of one time that Aunt Evelyn ever having a scowl, frown or anything other than a smile on her face! (Okay Andrea, Babette & Louis...... she caught us a few times being less than good at Mom Mom & Paw-Paws)...... but she always walked away with a smile! A very loving, generous, giving and beautiful woman has joined way too many of our dear loved ones in Heaven. What Joy they must be having now to add another Precious Angel. I know, too well, what you all are feeling right now and believe me when I say I really hate that you are going through this. It hurts, for quite a bit, honestly. Just try real hard to let the GREAT MEMORIES take over the grief, if even for just a little bit. Please know, Uncle Bobby, Andrea, Babette & Louis..... and the rest of the family, I have every one of you in my thoughts and prayers. My shoulders are still a little weak from our recent loss, but know that I will always take some of your load for you. That is how our awesome families raised us. Aunt Evelyn, RIP and I hope you have lots of pretty lipstick, you've got a LOT of kisses to hand out in Heaven for all of us.My Love to All,Anita & Ron Lake
Johnny Ford
February 5, 2014
I will always miss my favorite and "only" sister. There is not enough space here to share my 77 years of memories. I was always glad to have paid her "tole fees" around the beltway, of which she loved to "circle". Long story about that !!. Although we had our little "spats" growing up, I forgive her for "ratting" on me for some of the things I really did not do to her that got me in "bad" trouble. Evelyn possessed that inherited and unique gift to always make you feel like you were "somebody" along with sharing a smile with you and a little "humor" to broaden your smile. "Bobby", thank you for sharing over 60 years of your faithful loving, caring, providing, protecting and "spoiling" my sister. Love Ya !! Johnny
Faye Dismukes
February 5, 2014
What a dear, sweet lady! My deepest sympathy to Evelyn's family during this time of such great loss. I pray your faith is a source of comfort and strength, as hers was in her life. May she be greeted by the songs of angels as she returns home to her heavenly Father. And may she rest in eternal peace.
Martha & Eddie Blankenstein
February 5, 2014
Although Eddie and I knew Evelyn was sick, we were saddened and shocked when Bobby called to say she had passed away. She was a special lady! So sweet and gentle, always a kind word for everyone. She had a wonderful, caring family and they will miss her very much. We took trips together several times, in our trailers, or in their van. We went to Branson and to Colorado and lots of places in between.....so much fun! We will truly miss Evelyn and her gracious smile. We pray that the entire family will be comforted by the good memories of Evelyn....as wife, mother, grands and great grands, relatives and friends. Love you, Evelyn, in life and in death. Martha (Tookie) and Eddie Blankenstein
Carolyn And Lisa Hodges
February 5, 2014
Carolyn and Lisa Hodges purchased the A Full Life for the family of Evelyn (Gran) Ford Bernard.
Tina Carter
February 4, 2014
What a sweet soul! Always helping others, never a harsh word and always smiling and ready to have fun, that's my Aunt Evelyn. I will miss your sweet and gentle spirit. Thank you for all the love and care you and Uncle Bobby gave to me and my family. I love you always and forever, Tina
Debbie Kurtz
February 4, 2014
When I learned Evelyn had passed away I was grief stricken. I have done her pedicures for about 20 years and find it difficult to imagine her gone. She knew what she wanted and what she didn't as well. I can still hear her say, as she puts her foot back in the spa, that's enough. If she had her way I would have just filed her toenails and polished them. She always said it with a smile on her face and tolerated my insistence on pampering her a bit. The last time I saw her I asked her when she was going to have another girls' weekend where they would just put on their PJ's and stay in the hotel room. She laughed and said they were all too old to stay up late anymore, let alone go shopping. Her idea of shopping for clothes was to stay in the dressing room and have her girlfriends bring her things to try on, tossing them over the door. She was a very special lady and I will miss her more than words can express. Prayers and blessing go out to her wonderful family.