Cecil G. Bernard of the 2100 block of Oregon Avenue, Suffolk, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, in Obici Hospital. A native of Suffolk, he was the widower of Gracie R. Bernard, and son of the late Arthur and Hattie B. Bernard.

He attended the Suffolk Public Schools and Virginia State University.

He had retired as maintenance supervisor for the Suffolk Public School System after 50 years of service.

He was a communicant at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and a former vestry member.

He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 99 and the Hollywood-Jericho Civic League.

His survivors include a son, Demetries Bernard, and his wife, Erma, of Suffolk; five daughters, Essie M. Edwards, and her husband, Phillip, of Chesapeake; Clara Darden, and her husband, Millard, of Rahway, N.J.; Laura Jean Patton, and her husband, Manly, of Norfolk; Mazie G. Blount, and her husband, Alvin, of Petersburg; and Gina Peduto of Richmond; a foster daughter, Matilda Woodley of Suffolk; a sister, Cecile Dickens of Suffolk; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Bernard of Suffolk; and Mazie R. Garris, and her husband, Boatman, of New York City; four step-sisters-in-law, Lorraine Hardy, Addie Sweatt, Betty, and Lillie Long, all of Suffolk; two stepbrothers-in-law, Joseph Hall and Earl Hall, both of Suffolk; a devoted friend, Jesse Trent of Suffolk; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Mahan Street, by the Rev. Father Howard Purvis. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery.

The body will be taken to the church at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Building Fund.

The family will be at the home, 2131 Oregon Ave.

Crocker Funeral Home Inc. is in charge.