Bernice Dockery Winn

Bernice Dockery Winn, age 90 of Blairsville, passed away December 11, 2013 at Union County Nursing Home.

Bernice was born May 9, 1923 in Lumpkin County, Georgia to the late Webster & Florence Dockery. She was raised at the foot of the mountain in the Turners Corner area during the great depression. As a young girl she would learn skills from her Native American roots such as gathering medicinal herbs, especially from her Granny, a midwife. She was blessed with a green thumb that could grow anything with ease. While her gardens were full of vegetables for practicality, she would also have many ornamental flowers such a Dahlia's for viewing enjoyment. Meals were a family affair and it was not uncommon to have 20 or more people gathered around the table, talking, laughing and enjoying the best fried chicken and banana pudding ever created compliments of Mrs. Bernice. The family would gather round to hear her tell great stories and tales of her life growing up. With a strong Christian faith, Bernice was a member of Union Baptist Church since 1946. Her children remember their father, teaching & reading the Bible in their home and their mother demonstrating how to live the word in daily life.

Bernice, during World War 2 was trained in Atlanta as a beautician and spa style masseuse, skills she later used to help make ends meet for her family. Family was an idea she truly embraced. She was a hands-on mom guiding her children with motherly wisdom but mainly passing along life's lessons. Bernice especially enjoyed time playing with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Laughter was a familiar sound in the house. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Winn; son, Charles David Winn; her parents, Webster and Florence Dockery; brothers, Earl, HR, Curvin, and John; and sisters Odell and Pauline.

Bernice will be fondly remembered by all who knew this lively lady, and especially missed by her children, Veatrice, Harlie (Ted) and Don; brothers and sisters, Homer, Douglas, Mildred and Lou. Bernice loved her grandchildren, James, Kristen, Jen and Kim. Her three great grandchildren, Meg, Will and Olivia also share in her love and legacy. Surviving also are her sister in law, Joyce, and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends! All possess some of her feisty personality!

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday December 13, 2013 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Benny Nix officiating. Special Music will be provided by Mary Lou Nix, Melody Marlowe & Union Baptist Church Choir. Interment will follow in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Tim Dockery, Larry Dyer, Doug Dockery, Tommy Dockery, Gerald Dockery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 until 9 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in support of missions to: FBC Beacon Team, P.O Box 2058, Blairsville, GA 30514

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.