Bernice Shackelford Alexander
December 6, 1923 – April 8, 2026
Bernice Alexander, age 102, peacefully entered her Heavenly home on April 8, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, love, and devotion. A treasured mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Bernice’s life was a testament to the strength of family and the beauty of a life well lived. A charter member of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church since 1938 (88 years!), her unwavering faith was the foundation upon which she built her life.
Bernice was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her church, her family, and her community were the heart of her world, and she gave of herself freely to each. Known for her boundless generosity and warm, infectious smile, she had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed and cherished. Her presence brought comfort, joy, and inspiration, and her memory will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.
Bernice was preceded in death by her father, Otis Shackelford; mother, Winnie (Liles) Shackelford; husband, Cleveland Alexander; son, Mack Alexander; son, Gerald Alexander and daughter, Phyllis Alexander.
Those left to cherish her memory are her granddaughters, Kelly Riser and husband, Trey and Kim McClary and husband, Robert; grandsons, Mick O’Brien and Cody Alexander; daughter-in-law, Peggy Alexander; great-grandsons, Trevor Riser and wife, Gabby, Jacob McKaskle and wife, Julia and Jaden Hendrix; great-granddaughter, Emma Hendrix; great-great-granddaughters, Kaylee Riser and Kara McKaskle; great-great-grandsons, Ty Riser and Hal McKaskle; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at McDonald Memorial Baptist Church from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Bro. Randy Dark will conduct the funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow in Garden of Memories under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Forest Haven Nursing Home, as well as to her niece, Janice Templeton, for the compassionate and devoted care they provided to Bernice throughout the years. Their kindness, patience, and unwavering support brought comfort not only to Bernice, but to her family as well, and will always be deeply appreciated.
James “Jimmy” Heard
November 7, 1945 – April 7, 2026
James Hewell “Jimmy” Heard, Jr. passed away peacefully in Jonesboro, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 80.
A man of simple pleasures and deep passions, Jimmy was known for his love of history—especially his keen interest in World War II—and his appreciation for the craftsmanship of antique farm tractors. He took great pride in his collection and found fellowship among friends as a member of the Northeast Louisiana Vintage Tractor Club. He was also a devoted member of the Cajun Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.
Jimmy dedicated his career to forestry, working for Willamette and Weyerhaeuser as a forester and tree improvement specialist. He found great purpose in his work and a lifelong connection to the outdoors through his profession.
An avid outdoorsman, Jimmy felt most at home in nature, spending his early mornings in the woods and taking photographs of the beauty around him. He and his wife, Pat, also shared a love for traveling and camping together, creating cherished memories through their adventures before eventually retiring to Arkansas.
Yet above all else, Jimmy’s greatest joy in life was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories through his steady presence, warm spirit, and enduring love.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat Heard; son, Michael Heard (Sarah); grandchildren, Shayla Heard and Remington Heard; sister, Robin Heard; brother, Mike Heard; nephews, Kevin Heard, Judd Rogers (Holly), Jarrett Rogers (Molly), Zachary Rogers (Annalyssa) and Remington Rogers (Alyssa); nieces, Ashley Gates (Lance) and Savannah Brewer (Will); brothers-in-law, Walter Rogers (Connie) and Judd Rogers; as well as many dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his son, James Patrick Heard; father, James Hewell Heard, Sr., and mother, Helen Wingert Heard.
As per Jimmy’s wishes, he will be cremated. The Heard family will have a memorial service on Saturday, April 18th, at Hodge Baptist Church. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00-11:00 am. Service begins at 11:00 am.