Berneta Queen Obituary

QUEEN, Berneta BARNWELL, SC - Mrs. Berneta Weaks Queen died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loved ones at Life Care Center in Columbia on October 7, 2006. She was 89 years old and the widow of Charles Isaac Queen who predeceased her in 1998. Mrs. Queen was born in Bettsville, Ohio, to James Monroe Weaks and Florence Elizabeth Coppler Weaks, on March 27, 1917. Her father worked for Alcoa Aluminum and she spent her early childhood in Columbia, South America. Her family moved to Newberry, SC, where she graduated from Newberry High School. There she met and married Charles and they were married for 62 years. They were blessed with four daughters, Ruth, Rebecca, Charles Anita, and Susan. They moved to Barnwell in 1951 and owned and operated Queen Gas Company for 44 years. They were active in the church life of Barnwell First Baptist Church. Berneta had an enduring love for children and developed a model program for Preschool Education, based on the training she received every summer at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly. She served faithfully as the Preschool Director for over ten years. Mrs. Queen loved flowers and was a life-long member of the Iris Garden Club. She was a leader for Girl Scouts of America and enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. with her family. Her most cherished roles were always as a wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Queen's family includes Ruth Q. Seigler (Rallie) of Columbia, Rebecca Q. Loper (Dale) of Ruffin, Charles Q. Coffey (Bill) of Chesnee, Susan Queen of Barnwell. Her beloved grandchildren are Scot M. Seigler (Jennifer), Kate C. Malarney (Chris), Sarah Coffey, Clay Coffey, Cam Loper (Jan), Marnie Lewis (Sean), and Brandon Loper. Mrs. Queen has five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson, Marshall Seigler (Wendy). The family gratefully acknowledges the many loving caregivers, friends and the caring community support provided through the years. Mrs. Queen resided the last three years at Wildewood Downs. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 12, at the Barnwell First Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Barnwell County Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday evening, October 11, at MOLE FUNERAL HOME OF BARNWELL, SC. Memorials may be made to the Queen-Seigler Nursing Scholarship at USC, Barnwell First Baptist Church or Palmetto Hospice. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.