Beatrice W. Hillard

Hillard ~ “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

Beatrice Washington Hillard was born July 4, 1937, the fourth of eleven children born to the late Engle Washington, Sr. and Annie Bell Davis Washington. Her birthplace was in the Sandy Creek area of Natchez, Mississippi, in Adams County.

She attended Sadie V. Thompson High School in Natchez.  Bea married John Richard Bernard, Sr. in 1955, and lived briefly in Natchez, before they made their home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Three sons were born to this union, John Richard Bernard, Jr., Don Edward Bernard, and Irvin Sylvester Bernard. She remarried later in life to Louis Hillard.  While in New Orleans, she was an active member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, sang in the Senior choir, and served in outreach ministries.  

Bea was a “Prayer Warrior.” Daily, she started praying and praising the Lord before sunrise early in the morning and prayed all day, without ceasing.  She loved the Lord with all her heart and constantly read the Bible and participated in seminars and concerts at her churches. As one of the elderly “griots,” she reacquainted family members with our ancestors by sharing many stories of times, places, folklore, and culture, which her younger siblings did not know. Bea exemplified all of the qualities of a “Big Sister” being compassionate with and passionate about family, neighbors, and friends. Among her proudest moments were spending time with her grandchildren, whom she talked about constantly, and assisting her siblings as caretaker of her dear mother, when her mother was unable to fully care for herself.  She also loved visiting seniors in the nursing homes. Bea was known for her beauty and award-winning smile. 

She retired from Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans after thirty years of service. Bea served as a surgical technician. After retirement, she relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 2004, to be near to her son, Don Edward and his family. She joined Believers in Christ International Christian Center, where her son and daughter-in-love, Dr. (Hon.) Don Edward and Dr. (Hon.) Deborah Bernard, are Senior Pastors. She served as a faithful member until her death. Bea’s life was marked by a commitment to service, as she was an active member of the Outreach Ministry and loved helping others. She also loved singing old gospel hymns. Bea was admired as one of the Mothers in the church  and loved by her church family, who affectionately referred to her as “Pretty Lady.” 

Bea enjoyed singing gospel songs, crocheting, cooking, working in her flower gardens, and landscaping. Her gumbo and red beans and rice were family favorites. She enjoyed renovating and repairing her homes in New Orleans and Jacksonville. 

On April 4, 2023, Bea transitioned to her heavenly home.  She is preceded in death by her oldest son, John Richard “Ricky” Bernard, Jr.; parents, Mr. & Mrs. Engle Washington Sr.; brothers, Engle Washington Jr., Amin Muhammad; sisters, Baby Annie, Thelma Lee Johnson, Helen Jean Washington Smith; brother-in-love, Clabron Johnson, Sr.; sisters-in-love, Mary Muhammad, Betty Washington, and Joyce M. Hunt Washington.

She will be cherished by her sons, Don Edward  (Deborah) Bernard, of Jacksonville, Florida; Irvin Sylvester  (Danielle) Bernard of LaPlace, Louisiana; “bonus” son, Connie Ray Brown of New Orleans, Louisiana; daughter-in-love, Sharbara Ellis (Ricky) of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Bryan E. Bernard, Sr. (Tonya) of Orlando, Florida; Don-Anthonie Bernard, Irvin (Joel) Bernard, Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama, Travis (Roynata) Duplessis of New Orleans, Louisiana, Natasha (Dominic) Tobias of New Orleans, Louisiana, Sean Bernard of LaPlace, Louisiana; twelve great-grandchildren; siblings, Rose Marie (Frankie) Free of Springfield, Virginia, J.C. Washington, Sr. of Tallahassee, Florida, Claudie (Marion Maxine) Washington of Duluth, Minnesota, William Henry (Gloria Joyce) Washington of Manassas, Virginia, Melvin Kie (Gwendolyn) Washington of Middleburg, Florida; a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. 

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Beatrice Washington Hillard will be 11:00AM Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Wayman Temple A M E Church – West, 1176 Labelle Street.  Visitation Friday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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