Bernice achieved many great things in her life. She graduated from Pensacola Junior College with a degree in Associates of Science. She was a top producer and broker for Remax/Horizons Realty in Pensacola for over 12 years during which time she was diagnosed with Bipolar II. Despite this she continued to be a productive part of Pensacola’s society including Pensacola’s Elite Junior League, as an officer and where she volunteered countless hours and efforts. She was married to her husband James Thomas McKean for 30 years to insure her children all received their special college degrees so they would have the opportunity to provide for their future families and themselves.
In 1986, she met her soulmate’ Linda “Andy” Anderson in which she has remained in a monogamous relationship and marriage for over 40 years. In 2016, life changed drastically as she suffered a severe stroke. No one realizes how far she has come from that stroke…Bernice has always survived the many trials thrown her way; a massive tumor, double breast cancer, removal of her colon, and various surgeries over later years. Even still, God was not ready for her yet.
It is evident that God put her on this earth as a lesson of perseverance and faith letting us know that we can make it through anything. She will be sorely missed by her soulmate; Andy and her many friends. Bernice’s desire was to be cremated and spread over Guntersville Lake at some later date. She and Andy found paradise in Guntersville in 2007 and remained together to the very end. If you believe in angels, then she most definitely meets all the criteria. May she finally rest in eternal peace in God’s love. ‘I will see you again one day in eternity my love”. Bernice went to be with God from her home here at the lake. Andy made a vow to Bernice’s Mom before she died, that she would take care of her until her last moments and she would never be left in a rest home or hospital. That promise to both were kept. Ther will never be a day pass while I draw breath that she is not on my mind always. “I will see you again one day in eternity and will always love you”.
Mental illness occupied much of Bernice’s adult life making it difficult for her family to understand her. Her three sons; Christopher Lyle, Ronald Derrell and James Thomas are living their own lives with their own families. She regrets not having been allowed to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives as they were growing up. The fear of her Bipolar disease kept her estranged from her family for many decades. for those families that have mentally ill loved ones, please seek help for your family member and for yourselves so that you can truly understand this horrible illness. They do not wish to feel alone in this crippling disease that sometimes has no answer but suicide. Please help them cope.
