March 10, 1958 – January 13, 2026
Thelma Bernard, affectionately known as Aunt Thel or Sis T, was born on Monday, March 10, 1958, in Monrovia, Liberia, to the union of William Thomas Bernard and Danielette Patricia Tucker. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend whose life was marked by compassion, generosity, and an open heart.
In her early years, Thelma received her education in England and the United States before returning to Liberia, where she began building her family and professional life. Following the outbreak of the Liberian Civil War in 1989, she relocated to the United States in 1991. There, she spent 33 years establishing a life of service and hard work, ultimately dedicating many years to her calling as a chef. After her retirement, she fulfilled a long-held desire to return home, resettling permanently in Liberia in February 2024.
Thelma is survived by her loving children: Charles Dunbar Burgess King II and his wife Geraldine; William Thomas Bernard King and his wife Celestina; Françoise Monroe-Evans Michele Bernard; Mercedes Beija Abasi; Willismae Banke King; Charles Tyrell O’Connor King IV and his wife Bonnie; Stephen Allen King and his wife Adrienne; and William Washington Jr. and his wife Martha.
Danielle was called Mama D and Nana by her grandchildren Corine Barclay, Samantha Young, Charles Douglas Barclay King, Arthur Barclay O’Connor King, Liam Israel Adedayo King, Ethan Azariah Ademola King, Tony Curtis Jr., Verlene Curtis, Mycah King, Charles T. O. King V, Alyssa King, Elijah King, and Kareem King.
She is also lovingly remembered by her many siblings: Archie Bernard and his wife Wambui; Leona Puchu Bernard; Murray Bernard; Myrtle Bernard; Nejae Kromah and her husband William; Vivian Bernard; William Bernard and his wife Tania; Nancy Freeman and her husband Czarr; Nayubel Badio and her husband Theodore Jr.; Jackie Bernard; Bernardo Bernard; Charles Caranda; Johanna Jackson; and Musu Bernard.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Thomas Bernard, Fred Bernard, Archibald Fitzhubert Bernard, David Bernard, and Wilmot Washington Sr.
Aunt Thel lived a life guided by faith, allowing God Almighty to work through her in ways both quiet and profound. Through acts of kindness, generous giving, and sincere friendship, she touched countless lives and made the world brighter for those around her. Her presence was a gift, and her love leaves a lasting imprint.
Funeral Services
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Camp Johnson Road Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Viewing: 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Service: 11:00 am
In honor of our beloved, her children request you wear colors other than black. Some of mommy’s favorite colors were purple, yellow, and red.
The burial will be at the family plot in Congo Town immediately following the funeral. The repast will be at the Bernard Beach Family Complex in Congo Town.
The service, burial, and repast will be livestreamed in separate intervals at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK4BNoQ2fRk
- Homegoing Funeral Service Livestream to begin at 10:45 am for 11:00 am service start time
- Burial Livestream to begin at 30-45 minutes after the Homegoing Funeral Service
- Repast Livestream to begin at 30-45 minutes after the Burial
Contact for Additional Information
Françoise Bernard
Liberia: +231 77 261 9384
WhatsApp: 301-814-8909
Email: ourdaniellethelmabernard@gmail.com
