of Vilonia, AR
November 29, 1926 - June 17, 2022
Bernice Covington Stone of Naylor, Arkansas died June 17, 2022, but oh what a life she lived.
Bernice was 95 years old. She was known as Mom, Granny, Gigi, Aunt Bernice and a whole host of other endearing terms.
Bernice was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 29, 1926 to Bernet Covington and Grace Willis Covington. She lived through more than most of us could imagine. She was just a kid during the Great Depression and World War II. She married the love of her life, L.G. Stone, after he got home from the war. She raised a family, worked hard, taught her children and grandchildren right from wrong, and loved Jesus. Her family and her faith were the things that motivated her throughout her life and surrounded her at the end of her journey.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, George Goodsell; uncle, Ora Goodsell; brothers, J.R. Covington, Herbert and Hubert Goodsell; sister-in-law, Ellen Goodsell; her loving husband, L.G. Stone; son, Edwin Stone; daughter-in-law, Judy Stone and her granddaughter, Baby Arnett.
Bernice cherished her family time. Her home was always full of food, music and family. And while still able, she was determined to attend every sporting event and theatrical performance possible if one of her grands was involved.
Bernice spent Sunday mornings with her church family at the Enola Church of Christ. She listened attentively and occasionally made the church erupt in laughter by bringing things back into perspective. Our lives were not as complicated as we thought, after hearing stories from the past.
Bernice is survived by her sister-in-law, Verlee Covington; her daughter and son-in-law, Kathlyn and Larry Arnett; her four granddaughters, Tammy Arnett Phillips (Darrell) of Germantown, Tennessee, Tina Stone Sellers (Craig) of Vilonia, Arkansas, Callie Arnett King (Monty) of Naylor, Arkansas, Nicole Stone Townsend (Kenny) of Vilonia, Arkansas; two step grand-daughters, Syble Condray Maxwell (Lonnie) of Houston and Patricia Condray Woodson (Donald) of Greenbrier; four great grandchildren, Allyson Sellers of Vilonia, Claire and Max King of Naylor and Maggie Phillips of Germantown, Tennessee; two step great-grandchildren, Jennifer and Clayton (Stacy) Woodson of Greenbrier; three step-great-great-grandchildren and two special friends, who were like granddaughters to her, Madison and Makenzie Loyd of Vilonia.
Bernice always made sure you had enough to eat at her house. She had lived through the Great Depression. Bernice always asked about your family. She knew what it was like to lose loved ones.
Bernice sat by your bedside when you were sick. We tried to return the favor, sitting by hers during the last six months.
Hers was a life well lived.
The family would like to thank Laken, Rachel, Gordon and Taylor with Kindred Hospice for making her final days comfortable at home with her family.
Visitation will be held from 6pm-8pm, Monday June 20, 2022 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21st at 10am at the Enola Church of Christ. Burial will take place immediately after, at Crestlawn Memorial Park.
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24 Condolence(s)
John & Susan ARNETT
Thursday, July 21, 2022
So sorry to hear about your Mom.
Ceceilia Norman
Saturday, July 2, 2022
Kathlyn, I did not know your Mom but knowing you I am sure she was a wonderful Mother and Lady.
May God be with you and your family
Larry Seifert
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Bernice's family I remember the good ole days when we had dances and the Stone family would play the music. My mother, Nina Crossno was a first cousin. My prayer are with you. Linda Crossno Seifert
Rita Starkey
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
I’m saddened by the loss of Mrs Bernice…Mom sure loved her & I remember the 2 hour long phone conversations she & Mom enjoyed while “catching upâ€. She will be missed but I know it was a privilege to care for her Kathlyn & I know you have peace knowing where she is. Love & hugs for all…
Lisa Cook
Monday, June 20, 2022
Oh sweet Ms Bernice! Kathlyn Arnett and family. I am so sorry. My prayers and thoughts are with you all in the days ahead. Love and hugs to you. â¤ï¸
Lisa Cook
Tim Chance
Monday, June 20, 2022
Miss Bernice was such a wonderful lady. She was truly one of the "Eunice and Lois" figures in my life. I loved her dearly. God bless and continued prayers for you all.
Linda Felton and family
Monday, June 20, 2022
Aunt Bernice was a special woman. She had the ability to help me see the bright side of things. We are going to miss our sweetheart but Heaven has gained a precious angel. Our love to all the family.
Dan/Terri Sheil
Monday, June 20, 2022
Aunt Bernice was a very special lady and will be missed by many….so glad we were able to visit with her in May….she had a way of making everyone feel special….and she made the best tea!
Kathlyn Ann….our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time…we love youâ¤ï¸
AMANDA NEY
Monday, June 20, 2022
This amazing soul will be missed- SO MUCH!!! Heaven just got way funnier and more beautiful. I love GiGi as if she was my own Grandmother. I am honored to say I knew her and I am grateful she was able to be here to teach us all so many beautiful life moments throughout these years. God Bless all who knew her- as all who knew her, LOVED her deeply.
Andy Harrison
Monday, June 20, 2022
Aunt Berniece always had a smile on her face and would always tell me "Andy, you Goodsell girls look all alike" and would laugh and hug me and that would make my day. We will miss you.
Ron Taylor
Monday, June 20, 2022
As a child growing up in Iowa, our joy every year, was to be able to come to Arkansas and visit relatives and attend our "Home Coming" at Union Hill. We always ended up at Aunt Bernice's house for music and food. It was a tradition. My Aunt Bernice was so special and she will be missed.
Kathlyn, thank you for having us over in May. It meant everything to be able to see her one last time.
I believe family members in Heaven are rejoicing.
Linda Moore-Rau
Monday, June 20, 2022
Aunt Bernice , you are one of my favorite aunts . I have so many good memories of you. Rest In Peace beautiful lady. I love you .
Kathlyn, you and your family are in my prayers sweet cousin . Hugs and love to you all .
Wilma Robinson
Monday, June 20, 2022
What a loss for the family, but what joy she brought to everyone she met. As a customer at Kroger, always a sweet smile, so pleasant to serve. Prayers for all her family.
Karen L Mitchell
Monday, June 20, 2022
Kathlyn and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your mama's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven has gained another Angel, that's for sure. She will be missed.
David Bell
Sunday, June 19, 2022
I thought a lot of ms Bernice and pray for her family
Paulette Bryant
Sunday, June 19, 2022
The family is in my prayers and thoughts ♥ï¸
Jonathan Rea
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Kathlyn and Family,
Sorry for your loss. Your mom was an excellent example for those who knew her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jonathan "Jon" Rea
Michelle Robinson
Sunday, June 19, 2022
My prayers and thoughts continue to be with the family. We will surely miss her at church. She was a reflection of everything the Bible teaches on being a Christian woman. I learned much from her comments in Bible class. I knew she was speaking from life experiences and she had a way of simplifying the truth. Many times i wanted to see things gray, but I listened to her. â¤ï¸
Wanda Newland
Sunday, June 19, 2022
She was one of a kind. She always babies me and spoiled me. I will miss her so bad but so glad she got her angel wing. Love Wanda
Laura Wilkerson
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Kathlyn, Tammy and Callie and all the rest of the family, prayers of peace and comfort during in this sad time. RIP Bernice, I know you will be missed.
Marvin and Leslie Goodsell
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Aunt Bernice, you will be missed greatly by all of your family and friends.
Kelli Dalton
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Kathlyn & family,
It was truly an honor to have known precious Gigi. She kinda felt like a grandma to ALL of us. Our entire family adored her & she was certainly an example of what true Christianity looks like.
Love and prayers to all,
Kyle and Kelli King Dalton
Kathy Phipps
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Aunt Bernice was loved by everyone that met her. And yes she could cook some great meals.
Mary-Catherine Flanagin Glover
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers! â¤ï¸ Bernice was a special lady.