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Bernadette F. Small was born to Richard and Janice Small on November 12, 1978 in Queens, New York. Her life was a testament of love, resilience, and self-sacrifice. She embraced life with open arms, accepting challenges with resilience and determination, and loving others unconditionally.

Bernadette moved to South Carolina at a young age and attended Berkeley County Schools. She developed a love for performing, eventually joining the Berkeley High School Color Guard and Dance Team, where she delighted in entertaining fans during football and basketball games and events. She also loved to share her gifts of lip synching and entering contests to perform great hits like "What's Love Got to Do with It" better than Tina Turner herself.

Bernadette's journey took her to Strayer University, where she majored in business and finance, laying the groundwork for a successful career. Her role as a Customer Experience Specialist at T-Mobile showcased her radiant personality and infectious energy, making her the heart of every gathering and a cherished presence in the workplace.

Bernadette was creative and resourceful. For example, as a member of a card-playing family, she would watch, learn and gather old decks with missing cards to create her very own "Berna-deck." These decks would range from 70 – 80 mismatched cards and, oftentimes, she would add flour to the cards so they wouldn't stick together. You didn't need an invitation to play… she would just deal you in.

Bernadette generously shared her love of couponing with family, allowing them to benefit by "shopping" in her garage. She loved to change her looks through expressive wigs – if there was a new color or style, she could rock it! She adored her nieces and nephews and wore the title "Favorite Auntie" proudly. Her guilty pleasure was reality TV shows like Love and Hip-Hop, Baddies East and West and Young and the Reckless. Bernadette had a quick-witted sense of humor with an infectious laugh, warm smile, and playful spirit.

When life presented Bernadette with trials, including the profound loss of her first child, Gabrielle, at birth, her fighting spirit never wavered. She faced challenges head-on, driven by her love for her two daughters, Anya and Allyssa ("Poo"). She adored them fiercely and spoke of relocating to Virginia, in pursuit of new experiences. Bernadette's love and dedication extended to her siblings, mother, and relatives, forging strong bonds that sustained her throughout life.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Anya Small and Allyssa "Poo" Small; her devoted mother Janice Small; loving brothers William Hollingsworth, Donte Hollingsworth, Damien Hollingsworth, and David Petty Jr. (Connie); doting sisters Nina Nesbitt, Janeen H. Frost (Terrence), sister-cousin Regina "Hope" Tyson; and a host of family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Though we mourn her loss deeply, we take comfort in the knowledge that Bernadette is at peace, surrounded by the love and light she brought into our lives. May her legacy of kindness and unwavering faith continue to inspire us all.

In honor of Bernadette's memory, a Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at her residence. This gathering will be a time for sharing memories, support, and love with her family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 12:00 p.m., at Faith Moncks Corner, 1286 North Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC. Viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. Burial will be in Cooper's Memorial Cemetery, 1325 North Highway 17A, Moncks Corner, SC.

The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh