Bernice Blacknell Obituary
Bernice Blacknell (Evans) was born on June 28, 1964, in Clarksdale, MS, and passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, in Dallas, TX. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Mae Gary (Evans), her brother Roy Evans, and her sisters Willie Mae Gary and Gertrude"Nancy" Evans. She is survived by her husband, Hoover Ray Blacknell, and her children: Jennifer Richardson, Monica Blacknell. Her siblings include Lillie Mae Evans, Johnny Evans, George Murray, and Donald Murray. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: James Richardson, Jaremya Birdwell, Ja'Siyah Birdwell, Ja'ya Birdwell, Bradley Byrd, Brooke Byrd, Ailani Landor, and Zahra Landor, along with her great-granddaughter Brelle Sanchez and many other close family members and friends.
Bernice spent her early years in Compton, CA, where she attended Compton High School and graduated in 1982. She then attended Compton College, majoring in photography. After moving to Dallas, TX, in 1994, she worked as a Journeyman at Local Union 756 for over 28 years, where she built strong relationships and bonds while supporting her family. Bernice began studying the Bible in 1989 and dedicated her life to Jehovah in 1993, becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She served Jehovah with conviction, understanding that true service comes with the promise of resurrection and hope. She actively preached to anyone willing to listen, setting an example for her family and friends that, regardless of life's challenges and struggles, it is possible to learn about Jehovah and find hope. Bernice truly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Whether she was providing them with what they needed (or sometimes what they didn't) or throwing a football in the yard with the boys, her love for them was evident.
She took great pride in being a strong-minded, independent individual who believed in helping others and offering a generous hand whenever it was needed. Bernice enjoyed playing with her grandkids, talking to family and friends, and sharing laughter. She was a 'Doer' who accomplished anything she set her mind to, and if you needed her she just was a phone call away. Through her generosity and helpfulness, she touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy as a servant of Jehovah.
