Bernice Parks Gilleland

Bernice Parks Gilleland, 92, of Dawsonville passed away Saturday March 10, 2012 at her residence following a period of declining health.

Born July 22, 1919 to the late Henry Etna and Ola Anderson Parks, she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. For many years she was employed at Ronald's in Gainesville. Bernice possessed a great love for working with beautiful flowers and won numerous awards for her gardens and yard. She was widely known for her cooking ability and her artistry as a seamstress. She was very dedicated to her family and was also preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, G. L. "Pete" Gilleland; son, Freddie Gilleland; granddaughters, Molly English, Jade Gilleland; sisters, Annice Grogan, Clara Robinson, Vera Hulsey, Lois Turner; and brothers, James Parks, Oliver Parks, Rufus Parks, and Grady Parks.

Surviving are her children, Sandra English, Dawsonville, Tim Gilleland, Dawsonville; grandchildren, Rebecca Bourlakas, Joshua English, Coby Gilleland; great grandchildren, Benjamin English, Tess English, Kate Bourlakas, Maggie Bourlakas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday March 17, 2012 at 3 o'clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis-Reaching Out Foundation, P. O. Box 870747, Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.