Bernice Louise Balderson, 93, died peacefully at her home in Eatonton, Georgia., on Sunday morning, July 20, with family by her side. Bernice was born in Rosemont, West Virginia to William J. and Elsie (Reed) McCloy on April 21, 1932. She married her love, Gerald Dean Balderson, on March 19,1950.
Bernice is survived by her children, Donna Louise (Roger) Peck of Florida, Jerry Clay (Dedra) Balderson of Vienna, West Virginia, Gerald Dean “Buster” (Betty) Balderson of Washington, West Virginia and Kevin Lyn (Pam) Balderson and Timothy Byron Balderson of Eatonton, Georgia. Her parents, her sister, Shirley Lee Taitt and her husband preceded her in death. She is also survived by her sisters and brother: Helen Steele of Colbrook, New Hampshire, Margaret Farnsworth of Lynchburg, Virginia, John W. (Sharon) McCloy of Coolville, Ohio and baby sister, Carolyn Templeton of Chatham, Illinois. She also loved her 16 grandchildren, her great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The matriarch of the family, Bernice kept her siblings and others informed of family news and enjoyed their visits and calls. She loved being in the know and keeping everyone connected.
Many people knew Bernice as the seamstress and tailor that she was for more than 50 years. Maybe she patched your work shirts, or hemmed your pants. Perhaps she designed and made your storybook wedding dress, your high school prom or homecoming dress. Maybe she created the special quilt that lies on your bed. She wove blessings into her creations and considered her clients friends and family. If you had the benefit of knowing her, you were blessed. She loved with her whole heart. She worked hard and she adored and cared for her family, always.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m., Friday July 25, 2025 at St. Paul Church at Rockville, 144 Rockville Rd., Eatonton, Georgia, where Bernice was an active member and played the piano for many services. A service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Ben Strength officiating.
The family is being served by Vining Ivy Hill Chapel, 105 Lower Harmony Road, Eatonton, Georgia.
