Bernice Chaney

Bernice Elkins Chaney
Born March 15, 1921 Died:  October 20, 2019
Preceded in death by parents: Hezekiah and India Dorning Elkins, and her nine siblings.  She is survived by two brothers-in-law, Hosea and wife Gay Chaney of Huntsville, and Lawrence Chaney of Florida.
She is also preceded in death by two husbands:  Frank Baker Chaney and Bennie Butler, and by one grandson, John Clinton Chaney.

Our mother is also survived by all eight of her children:
Walter Hezekiah and wife Sue Chaney of Madison, AL
McKinley Lew and wife Brenda Chaney of Madison, AL
Patricia Ann and husband Walter Voce of Columbia, TN
Merrill Eugene and wife Priscilla of Scottsboro, AL
Sarah Ruth Chaney of Cala, FL
John Henry Chaney of Gurley, AL
Joyce Gail Chaney of Ocala, FL
Phillip David and wife Angel of Scottsboro, AL

She is preceded in death by one grandson:  John Clinton Chaney and is survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Our mother was born on Grant Mountain and raised here in North Alabama.  She was the oldest Alumnus of Madison School, now Madison Elementary School, and was honored at a reunion there several years ago.  She was a contributor to "People of Redstone Arsenal", a historical review of life on the Arsenal. However, she would tell you first of all that she was a Christian.
She was baptized at the Old Mayesville Church of Christ and was diligent in bringing her children to Christ.  She was a member for many years at Huntsville Park Church, where her mother also attended.  She was still singing many of the songs she sang when we were children, even after her stroke last week. Because of the faith that began with her, her descendants have done mission work in 10 states and 12 foreign countries.

Our mother was a worker.  She would tell of learning to sew when she was 12 years old.  She worked in the fields and cooked for her big family.  She was undiagnosed (except by her children), with ADHD.  She was called "Cricket" by her family when she was young, because she never sat still.  That has only recently changed, and not by choice.  She loved to do "hand work" as she called it, quilting and sewing and crocheting.  We all have samples of her hand work. Her three daughters and most of her granddaughters continue the tradition of quilting and sewing. Her sons and grandsons (and some granddaughters) continue her love for fish and fishing.  Her favorite thing to do was talk.  She would talk to any and everybody, and never met a stranger.  You didn't have to worry too much about what she thought, she was likely to tell you.  She loved to laugh and talk as she said, and loved to be the center of attention.  She loved to drive, and mourned daily the loss of her ability to continue driving, until her death.  We were afraid it would be the death of us all.  She loved flowers and gardening.  She was sweeter the older she got, and will be missed by all who knew her.

Thank you to all who are here today and to all who have sent your condolences.  We hope she has blessed your life in some way, just as she has blessed ours.  Her faith is reflected in those who are gathered here today and she would want us all to remember that heaven is our greatest reward.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a charitable contribution to Madison Academy.

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