Obituary of Bernadyne Herndon

Stevie Herndon was born Bernadyne Mable Stevenson on January 13, 1921, in Wautoma, Wisconsin. She was the first of seven children of Lloyd and Ellen Stevenson. The family lived in Oshkosh until Stevie was in the 5th grade and then moved to a farm in the country, near Bear Creek, Wisconsin. Stevie graduated from Shiocton High School in 1939. She enlisted in the Marine Corps at Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 10, 1943, with special military qualifications as a Postal Clerk and Clerk-Typist. While in the Marines she met the love of her life, Wilbur Nelson (Red) Herndon at Camp Pendleton, California, and married him in September of 1944. Sergeant Stevenson was honorably discharged from the U. S. Marine Corps at Marine Corps Base San Diego, California, on November 29, 1945. Red’s military career kept the family traveling, and they moved extensively throughout the United States. In 1965, Red retired from the Marine Corps and the family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he started a new career with Ryan Mortgage Company and the family joined St. Paul Lutheran Church. Red passed away in 1991.After her son retired from the U. S. Navy, Stevie moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1999, to be near him. As she aged, she had more trouble with cold Ohio winters, and she moved to Long Beach, California in 2010 to be near her daughter.Stevie is survived by her two children: James Herndon and Judy (Herndon) McKim; and one grand-daughter, Krista McKim.Stevie was baptized as an infant at the Lutheran Church in Milwaukee and was confirmed in her faith about 13 years later. She had an abiding faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was confident He would always care for her. She sought out the Lutheran church everywhere they lived. Stevie was a member of St. Paul Lutheran for 35 years. She was very active in the church, leading the youth group, Bible Studies, Brail Ministries and prayer groups. She was well known for opening her home to visiting missionaries, Christian leaders, friends and family.God, in His wisdom and mercy, called her to her heavenly home on 20 April 2017 at the age of 96. She was ever the lady, with style, elegance, kindness and generosity, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.