Berna Dean Mays

Berna Dean Harris Mays, 80, a resident of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, October 8, 2013, in Hot Springs at her daughter's home surrounded by family. We know our mother was in the presence of our Lord last night. We are comforted knowing that our father was waiting at the gates of heaven saying "Welcome babe." We will rejoice when we are together again. Born March 25, 1933, in Gorby, Arkansas, she was a daughter of Leamon and Velma Cantrell Harris. Mrs. Mays was reared and received her early education in Calico Rock, graduating from Calico Rock High School. She was a graduate of Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing, with a degree as a registered nurse. Berna Dean Harris married George N. Mays on April 10, 1954, in Little Rock. Mrs. Mays moved to Pine Bluff in 1958. She was a school nurse in the Watson Chapel School District for 26 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Arkansas School Nurses Association. She loved gardening and her precious Boston Terrier, Sophie. Mrs. Mays was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, one infant daughter, Cynthia Mays. Survivors include two sons, Mike Mays (Dianne) of Greenbrier, and Phillip Mays (Becky) of Sheridan; one daughter, Janet Shirley (Mark) of Hot Springs; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Verna Lee Grice (Willard) of Melbourne, Arkansas, and Sue Jenkins (Craig) of Bakersfield, California. She also had many dear friends and extended family. The visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 PM Sunday, October 13, 2013, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. The funeral will be at Monday, October 14 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Kenneth Thornton officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. Thank you for the dedication and service of the Gentiva Hospice in the last months. The staff made her dream come true. We also appreciate our family friend, Danny Petty of APlus Medical for being there at a moment's notice. Online register at: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.