Mrs. Bernadine Dotson Hensley, age 81 of Ellijay, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at her residence.

Mrs. Hensley was born on June 14th, 1943 in Gilmer County to the late Samuel George Dotson and the late Edna Florence (Pankey) Dotson. Bernadine was a member of the Berean Baptist Church in Ellijay. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hensley is preceded in death by her loving husband, Edd Douglas Hensley; sisters, Pearl Banks and Molean McArthur; six brothers, Leo Dotson, Jesse Dotson, Homer Dotson, Pete Dotson, Bent Dotson, and Enic Dotson, and two grandchildren, Douglas West and Eli Watkins.

Bernadine is survived by her two daughters, Karen (David) Watkins of Ellijay and Jennifer West of Ellijay; brother and sister-in-law, Rev. Billy (Anita) Dotson of Ellijay; two sisters, Maudine Newton of Ellijay and Mildred Weaver of Ellijay; four sister-in-laws, Bonnie Smith, Teresa Parker, Readell Holland, and Vira Hensley; four grandchildren, Nathan (Cayla) West, Corey West, Ethan (Racquel) Watkins, and Evan (Sarah) Watkins, seven great-grandchildren, Haden West, Mason West, Lance West, Addie West, Zella Watkins, Zayden Watkins, and Zeke Watkins, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 27th, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. from the Berean Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Richards, Rev. Joey Patterson, and Rev. Scott Chastain officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Herman and Rhonda Davis will sing. Graveside Interment will follow in the Berean Baptist Church Cemetery. Pall bearers will be: David Watkins, Nathan West, Corey West, Ethan Watkins, Evan Watkins, Haden West, Mason West, Lance West, Addie West, Zella Watkins, Zayden Watkins, and Zeke Watkins.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 27th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 2:40 p.m. headed to the church.

Flowers will be accepted; however, the family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Berean Baptist Church Willing Workers C/O Sister Gina Hensley @ 190 Oakridge Ln. Ellijay, GA 30536.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of these arrangements.