Bernia Y. Williams

The Unlikely Life of Bernia Y. Williams  ******* AKA “Bounce Back Kid”, “Big Sexy”, “HoneyBee” and “The Facebook Queen”

Welcome folks! And let me tell you about how my journey has been so far. I was born on Sunday, January 14, 1968, in Denver, CO. I started to defy the odds from the get-go. I arrived on this planet despite the doctors declaring it was medically impossible for both my mom (Bernestine King-Williams) AND me to survive. Surprise, surprise!!

I was blessed to have two dads. One I met as an adult (Dempsey Jackson) and the other (Clyde R. Williams, Sr.). He chose me among all the other beautiful gifts. He was my steadfast guardian. He was an extraordinary provider (the world’s best). He said that I cried a lot as a baby (it was actually my drama queen practice).

I grew up in Wichita, KS, attending both Christian and public schools. Talk about variety! My family tree is sort of complex in that I had two sets of siblings and extended family members. One set of siblings, I grew up with sharing bonds and sibling rivalry. The other set I met as an adult to add a delightful twist to my already adventurous life. I took great pleasure in tormenting my younger brothers. Sorry guys, but it was hilariously fun.  

My favorite subject was science, though I barely made it through high school. A lot of my high school career was spent in the principal’s office perfecting my “innocent face” routine. I was super good at basketball, swimming (yes, I was fat then too), making people laugh, talking and helping old people. Oh how I loved to talk. Cooking however was NOT my thing. The kitchen and I had an agreement; that I would stay out of it as much as possible (except to eat). My piano teacher had the patience of a saint. Because all I wanted to play was my favorite Lionel Richie song! Didn’t end well.  

At age 5 I believed what the bible said about salvation, and I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins. We had a tight connection until adulthood when “I” decided to try things my way. “Spoiler Alert”—My life was a series of total disasters. Eventually I got sick and tired of the chaos and returned to my God. Imagine my relief when I found out that he was waiting for me all along. By the way, do you know this Jesus I am talking about? If not, you can chat with him for yourself. Someone on the team will show you how.

Okay, I’m about to finish our time together. Did you know that I worked in group homes, nursing homes, and ministry. I never knew when I was forced to write and memorize Bible verses that it would be the strength I needed as an adult follower of Christ. It’s funny how the very thing that I resisted, became the thing that I cherished most.  

Two of my favorite shows were, “Uncle Tommy Pranks” and “Impractical Jokers”. They provided endless laughs as I faced many medical challenges. I kept bouncing back. As a matter of fact, I sometimes called myself, “The Bounce Back Kid”, sort of like a rubber ball!!  

One of the most rewarding things I did was to spend about 25 years as a community volunteer as CEO and founder of Woman-to-Woman RE-Entry. Because of my past experiences with the justice system, I dedicated my life to helping people restart their lives after being incarcerated. I dreamed of traveling with my family someday. I didn’t get to travel, but I have made a journey through the hearts of my family and friends.

Those who took the final bow before me, my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

As I take my final bow, and exit stage left, I leave you with the greatest family ever! Son, Edward Dupree; Spiritual daughter, Abbianna Gottivanni; Mom and Dad; brothers, Clyde (Rob) Williams, Kyle R. Williams, Sr., Clayton R. Williams, all of Wichita, KS; adult siblings, James Bryson, Mesquite, TX; sisters, Sophia Jackson, Casey (Veto) of Washington, DC, Mitzi Rivers-Singleton of Wichita, KS and Kristen Dacres of Dallas, TX; dearly beloved, Otis Johnson, Jr.; extended family, other relatives, and a host of friends who all were dearly loved.

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