Mother Bernice Jones Alderman, 90, affectionately known to many as Bunchie, was born to the late Ernest “Jim” and Bessie Bethune Jones on Sept. 2, 1926 in Denton, Ga.
She attended the Callahan Community School. She joined and was baptized at the Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor E. V. Singletary. She was a member of the Senior Choir under the late Sis. B.A.W. Carter, a member of Usher Board No. 1 and one of the original Culinary Committee members. She served as Worthy Matron of Pallbearer Lodge No. 218 and Heron of Jericho of the Callahan Lodge.
She was employed with Judge Lynn Hodges as housekeeper, a cook at the Rainbow Restaurant for many years, a janitor for Nassau County School Board, housekeeper for the late Tony and Sylvia Peterson and retired from the Nassau County Council on Aging as a health aide. She was a faithful member of the Deaconess and Mission Ministries. She was named as one of the Mothers of Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church by former Pastor Charles E. Williams, Jr.
She earned the name “Extra Mile” from one of the members because she would always bounce back and be willing to go the extra mile. Her favorite seat was on the right side of the church and second row of the Deaconess Ministry. She was an active member of the Westside Senior Center of Hilliard, where her favorite game was Bingo. She was married in Holy Matrimony to Deacon Gus Alderman for 61 years.
Preceding her in death were her siblings, Hoover Jones, Odella Crummell, Deacon Roy Jones, Rev. Calvin Jones, Maggie (Katie) Grant, Sarah Davis, Emily Sheffield and Rev. William (Willie) Jones. She fought a good fight until early Sunday morning and she answered Her Master call Oct. 16, 2016.
She leaves to cherish her sweet precious memories husband, Dea. Gus Alderman; children, James Williamson (Alma Bailey), Kenneth Williamson (Wynetta Harris), Larry Alderman, Terry (Carolyn) Williamson, Phyllis Alderman, Avis (Anita) Williamson, Wilbert (Vivian) Mathis, Gloria Johnson, Virginia Alderman, Gus (Diana) Alderman, Jr. and Brenda Alderman; one brother, retired CSM David (Alma) Jones; 30 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Alma Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
Homegoing service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 45031 Historical Lane, Callahan, FL 32011, the Rev. Reginald Edwards pastor. Viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5-7 p.m. at the church and 9 a.m. Saturday until the hour of service at the church. Interment will be in the Callahan Community Cemetery. Services from the heart are in the care of Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home, Inc., 2212 Emerson St., Jacksonville, FL 904-399-4150.