Bernardine was born on April 19, 1924, in Kingston, Pa., to Ignatius and Alexandra Hera.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; two sons, Robert Jr. and Henry Rives; as well as two sisters and two brothers.

Bernardine graduated Plymouth High School class of 1942 and Elizabeth Buxton Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1945.

She was a nurse in the United States Army and served as a first lieutenant. Bernardine married in 1949 and lived a military wife’s lifestyle until her husband Bob’s retirement in 1963. She resumed her nursing career at Patterson Army Hospital, Fort Monmouth, N.J., retiring in 1985 Upon Bob’s death in 1973, Bernardine enjoyed a life of travel, especially her trips to China, Russia and Australia. Bernardine moved to Lexington in 2014, initially residing at The Mayflower. Due to cognitive decline associated with dementia, she relocated to her daughter’s home in 2016. Bernardine passed peacefully at home.

As the first person to hold and welcome her daughter into this world, it was by God’s profound grace that her daughter was there to hold her as she peacefully departed it.

Bernardine is survived by her daughter Anne Russek and her husband Steve; her grandson Toby Croll; granddaughter Billie Rae Croll; great-granddaughter Charlie Campbell and greatgrandson Oliver Campbell.

Farewell to thee but not farewell To all my fondest thoughts of thee Within my heart they still shall dwell And they shall cheer and comfort me. - Emily Dickinson NG

See Obituaries, page 4 Helen Harrison Bullock, age 99, passed away at home in Milton, N.C., on Oct. 8, 2026.

HELEN BULLOCK

Helen was born in a log house in Stoner Hollow to Baxter and Mable Harrison on Sept. 3, 1927. After graduation from Natural Bridge High School, she attended Farmville State Teachers College, now known as Longwood, to begin her elementary school teaching career.

She met a Marine named Beryl Bullock to whom she was married for 73 years. Helen and Beryl raised their six boys in Glasgow. They were formerly active members of Glasgow Baptist Church.

Together with rearing her family, Helen’s nurturing of her young students at Natural Bridge Elementary School, hundreds of them, was central to her life’s love and work.

After retirement, Helen and Beryl began the second chapter of their life in Milton, N.C. Helen was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church for over 18 years. She taught the adult Sunday school class well into her 90s. She also led song service for many years, focusing on the story behind the author of the song. She touched many in the community, including the delivery of her famous homemade cinnamon rolls.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Beryl, son Michael and daughter- in-law Nancy.

She is survived by five sons, Bishop B. Jr. (Lynn) of South Carolina, Bill of North Carolina, Ronald of Texas, Don(Barbara) of Virginia, and Pat (Teri) of North Carolina; daughter-in-law Dianna Bullock of North Carolina; and seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special dog, Zoey.

The family extends a special thank you to the devoted women who cared for Helen at her home for the last years of her life.

Arrangements are handled by Wrenn-Yeattes Memorial Funeral Home in Yanceville, N.C., and Harrison Funeral Home in Lexington.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 3806 Forge Road, Glasgow. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Rusty Oliver of Shiloh Baptist Church, Milton, N.C.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Shiloh Baptist Church WMU, 1760 Yarboroughs Mill Road, Milton, NC 27305. NG