Ceola Bernard's Obituary
Ceola Bernard
Ceola was born to the union of the late Sam Ardoin and Viola Comeaux Ardoin on March 31, 1935, in Grand Prairie, Louisiana. She grew up in Louisiana and attended Washington High School, where her lifelong commitment to care and community began to blossom.
Her faith was a steady light throughout her life. One of her most cherished spiritual milestones was being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel, a sacred place rich in biblical history. That moment marked a deep and personal connection to her faith and remained close to her heart for the rest of her life.
Ceola was a true nurturer at heart. Though she endured the unimaginable heartbreak of losing both her beloved son, Richard Bernard, and her cherished daughter, Eboni Bernard, at a young age, she found strength in her sorrow and chose to pour her heart into the lives of others. She also suffered the heartbreaking loss of her younger sister, Deloris Stewart, who was her best friend and confidant, during the 1989 earthquake — a tragedy that left a permanent mark on her soul.
Rather than follow the traditional path of a housewife, Ceola became a second mother to countless children, dedicating her life to babysitting, mentoring, and guiding young hearts with patience, laughter, and love. Her home was a place where children felt safe, seen, and cherished.
She had a rare gift of conversation and could talk for hours on the phone with her friends, turning ordinary moments into deep and joyful connections. She and her husband Jerry especially loved watching Zydeco musicians and dancers on television together, often tapping their feet to the beat and sharing smiles that said more than words ever could.
Ceola also expressed her love through cooking. Her New Orleans dishes were legendary — spicy, soulful, and always served from the heart. Her kitchen was a gathering place where food, family, and friendship came together.
In addition to her nurturing spirit, Ceola was known for her impeccable sense of style. She loved to dress up and was especially admired in church for her elegant hats, coordinating shoes, and exquisite jewelry pieces that added a timeless touch to her style. Whether it was Sunday service or a special occasion, she carried herself with grace, pride, and flair that made her unforgettable.
As the devoted wife of a Navy man, Ceola embraced a life of travel and discovery. Throughout their journey together, she and Jerry lived in China Lake, California; Portsmouth, Virginia; Orange, Texas; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Waipahu, Hawaii; San Francisco, California; Hayward, California; Alameda, California and Union City, California. From 1980 to 1985, while her husband served as Command Master Chief at Treasure Island Naval Station, Ceola was affectionately known as the “First Lady of Enlisted Personnel of Treasure Island Naval Station” — a title that reflected the warmth, strength, and respect she extended to Navy families and service members. In 1980, they made their final move and purchased a home in Union City, California, where they planted lasting roots and built a life filled with love, community, and cherished memories.
Ceola leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Alvin “Jerry” Bernard of Union City. She is also survived by: by Her Aunt Betsy Richards, Her sisters-in-law: Lucille Dominic (husband Robert Dominic, deceased), Linda Newborn (husband Douglass Newborn, deceased), Glendale Davis (husband Reverend Percy Davis), Lois Sholot (husband Joe Sholot, deceased), Her brothers-in-law: Percy Bernard (deceased) and wife Ann Bernard (deceased), Charles Ray Bernard and wife Paula Bernard, She is also mourned by her three cousins — Jennifer Ellis, Lucy Ponder, and Norma Edwards — along with a host of other relatives, dear friends, and many children whose lives she helped shape with her nurturing spirit.
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