Bernethia Stevenson Thompkins
KNOXVILLE, TN – Bernethia Fernetta Stevenson Thompkins entered her eternal rest, September 3, 2020.
She was born in St. Petersburg, FL, January 17, 1929, to Nanny Jarnigan and Frank Stevenson and was raised in Knoxville, TN. She was married to Mr. Hillavery Thompkins, Sr.
She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church from her youth and worked in various positions while exhibiting her faith in Jesus. She displayed much love to whom she came in contact and was a mother to many beyond her children and descendants.
Mrs. Thompkins’ beloved one’s preceded her in their final rest from this world: her sister, Gladys; father, mother, and brother, Frank; extended sisters: Betty Carter and Mary Elsberry; son, George Brown, Jr.; husband, and daughter, Gladys Thompkins Wagner.
She leaves to cherish her memories: children, Jenell Thompkins, Bernethia Thompkins Johnson, and Hilder Thompkins, Louis (Glenda) Hodge, Tommy Thompkins, Albert Thompkins, Hillavery (Ruby) Thompkins, Jr., and Richard (Mattie) Thompkins; 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren, God-son Larry Yarbrough, many friends and associates.
Open visitation, 12 – 8 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Jarnigan’s Chapel.
The family will receive friends, 12-12:30 p.m. Friday, September 11, Jarnigan’s Chapel; funeral services 12:30 p.m., Rev. Russell Brown Jr. Officiating. Interment at Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery.
Final arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY. The service can be viewed on YouTube.
