Thelma Bernardi

Thelma Louise Bryant Bernardi of Shaw, MS, passed away on August 27, 2023.  Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS.  Interment will be at Shaw Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Sam McAda, Jeremy Winters, Henry Mosco, Timmy Canico, Lawrence Reginelli, and Charlie Giompoletti.

She was born in Milan, TN, to Grover Bryant and Nell Bryant.  She met her loving husband, Calvin Bernardi, of over 50 years, while he was serving in the U.S. Army.  They moved to Shaw, MS, and made it their home, where they raised their children and saw their grandchildren grow up. 

Thelma was a lifelong member of Shaw Baptist Church.  Not a Sunday went by when she was not in the 2^nd back row church pew.  She loved her church and church family even though she could not attend.

She worked at Baxter’s for over 25 years and gained some lifelong friendships.

Thelma’s greatest love in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, mammaw as they called her.   Thelma loved to cook and have Sunday lunches after church with a house full of kids.  She was loved by so many, even though she loved to aggravate.  Thelma lived a life most would dream about.

She is predeceased by her parents, five brothers, two sisters, husband, and baby daughter, Mary Teresa. 

She is survived by her daughter and caretaker, Betty Bernardi Shoemaker; son, James Bernardi; grandchildren, Kim Bernardi (Glen), Jamie McAda (Sam), Rachael Shoemaker Fratesi; great-grandchildren, Meghan Louko Winters (Jeremy), Katelyn Shoemaker, Lily Muirhead, Sadie McAda, and Dylan McAda; great greatgrandchildren, Harlee Gray Winters, along with Ava Winters and Jeremy Winters Jr.