Bernita Maria Cardwell

Bernita Marie Cardwell, was born on February 20, 1967 to the union of the late Calvin and Jackie Rodney in Lutcher, LA. She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church by the Rev. Richard Rayborn, Sr. She later joined New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia and was a member of the choir. Bernita attended Marchand Elementary School in Darrow, LA until the age of 13 years old. She graduated from St. Amant High School in 1985 and immediately attended Southern University and A&M College in 1985 where she graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics in 1989. She was a proud and dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Upon graduating college, she enjoyed a lucrative career at EDS, Inc., an oil company in Texas, and retired at the Saber Group as a Computer Analyst in Atlanta, GA. She later became and was still an Executive Director with Pre-Paid Legal, now known as Legal Shield. Bernita was united in holy matrimony to David Cardwell, Jr. on October 22, 1994. Their twenty year marriage was a pure example of God’s love, kindness, patience and unity. To this union three beautiful sons were born. A loving and true friend of many, Bernita never hesitated to lend a helping hand when needed. She was a generous woman with a warm smile and a big heart. She had an everlasting loving effect on everyone with whom she came in contact. On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Bernita surrendered her all, transitioned this life, surrounded by her family at home. She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, David Cardwell, Jr., three sons, David Cardwell, III, Marquis Cardwell and Christopher Cardwell; six sisters, Carita Ribet, Erica Rodney, Tammy Rodney, LaTonya Rodney, Alicia Rodney (also her Goddaughter) and LaKesha Rodney; one brother, Calvin Rodney, Jr.; a mother-in-law , Phyllis Cardwell, three sisters-in-law, Dawn Dominique (Yves), Denise Cardwell, Desiree’ Perkins (Larry); six nephews, Trey, Amir, Jaydon, King, Richard, and Austin; nine nieces, Darrilyn, Taquina, Iesha, Jada (also her Goddaughter), Gabby, Leslie, Lauren and Cameron; seven aunts, Rosemary Eugene, Pearl Warren, Gladys Kelly, Ethel Marbley, Eartha Rayborn, Hazel Whitney and Betty Bennett; and five uncles, Carl Rodney, James LeBlanc, Jr., Spellman LeBlanc, Sr., LeRoyal LeBlanc and Percy LeBlanc. She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Jackie Rodney, father-in-law, David Cardwell, grandparents, Paul and Pearl Rodney, Sr., Carrie Ford, and Rev. James LeBlanc, Sr.; uncles, Paul Rodney, Jr., Edward Rodney, Arthur LeBlanc, Sr., Rev. Percy Warren, Sr., Benjamin

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Bernita Maria Cardwell

February 20, 1967 - May 19, 2015