“And Jesus said unto thee, today thou shall be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Sister Bernice W. Simon was born October 15, 1932, in Sweezer Lake, Louisiana to Louis and Beatrice White. She was united in holy matrimony to Louis Master Simon. “Madear”, as she was often called, departed this life on July 24, 2022. Sister Bernice W. Simon was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a faithful member of Greater New Bethel Baptist Church in Simmesport, Louisiana. “Madear” was dedicated to the art of fellowshipping through the many meals she prepared for the congregation, and she did anything that was asked of her for the church. She remained an active and faithful member until her health failed her. Sister Bernice W. Simon leaves behind yet cherishing three (3) children: Valery Simon Dukes (Dewey), New Roads, Louisiana; Beryl Ann Simon, Houston, Texas; Byron White, Simmesport, Louisiana; niece, Sandra Antione and great niece, Shantel Massey, Simmesport, Louisiana, who she helped rear; niece, Stacey Williams (Leroy, Sr.), Simmesport, Louisiana; sister-in-law, JoAnn White; fifteen (15) grandchildren, fifteen (15) greatgrandchildren; two (2) Godchildren, Dedra Stemley and Debra Morris; God sister, Patsy Normand and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. Sister Bernice W. Simon is preceded in death by her husband, Louis Master Simon, her parents, Louis and Beatrice White, daughter, Paulette Wiley, three sons, Louis “Bumblebee” Simon, Bruce Simon, Dennis Ray White, two sisters, Dorothy White and Nettie Overton, and brother, John White.