Bernice Prestridge passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, just three weeks shy of her 105th birthday. After 104 years of a life marked by faith, family and love, she is now home with her Lord and Savior. Bernice was born November 1, 1921, in New Hope, Alabama to Walter and Bess Harless. She eventually made her way to Arab, Alabama, where she built a beautiful life and called home for the rest of her days.
Bernice married Tom Prestridge in 1940, and together they had two children, Tommy and Beverlee, who were the great joys of her life. She later shared two long and meaningful marriages with Moody Harris and Donald Malone. Each of her husbands was an important part of her remarkable 104 years, and she was preceded in death by all three.
Bernice spent her career at Jones Pharmacy, where she became a familiar and beloved face in the Arab community. She loved people and had a gift for making everyone feel special. Her well-known annual yard sales became more of a two-day neighborhood party. Bernice also had a wonderful sense of style and always believed in looking her best, a trait she proudly passed down to the women in her family. She often showed off her impeccable style on the golf course where she was an avid golfer well into her 90’s. But family was at the center of Bernice’s world. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely and took great pride in each of them. She was especially proud of her children. Her son, Tommy, served as Arab’s fire chief for more than two decades, and her daughter, Beverlee, is a beloved schoolteacher who cared for her faithfully.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren each have their own stories of how “Nannie” would cheer them on—from the sidelines, in the stands and in all the little moments in between. She was their biggest fan, and they always knew it. Bernice often showed her love through food and could usually be found in the kitchen preparing everyone’s favorite dish before a family gathering. Her coconut cream pie and Mexican cornbread were family favorites. She loved to travel and especially loved family trips to Gulf Shores, where she would somehow find room in her luggage for a few of her famous pies.
Bernice was a devoted member of Arab First United Methodist Church for more than 75 years and was happiest listening to Southern Gospel music. Her greatest legacy will be the faith she lived out and passed down to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a faith they will carry with them and continue to live out for generations to come.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverlee Deathridge (Dennis)]; daughter-in-law, Dianne Prestridge; five grandchildren, Brandon Prestridge (Kim); Brian Prestridge; Charlie Deathridge (Jenny); her birthday twin, Jenny Bratt (Tom); and Allie Deathridge; as well as four great-grandchildren, Adlee, Aubrey, Josie and Bentley. She was preceded in death by her three husbands, Tom Prestridge, Moody Harris and Donald Malone; and her son, Tommy Prestridge.
Graveside Service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at Arab Memorial Cemetery, Gober Funeral Chapel directing.
She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.
