Funeral services for Bernice Margaret Smith Caudell, 94, of Mt. Airy, are scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart with the Rev. Billy Burrell officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Caudell, called "Granny" or "Mom" by most, passed away Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021.
Born Oct. 13, 1927, in Batesville, she was a daughter of the late Thad Smith and Dora Barron Smith. Mrs. Caudell was the third of 11 children born to her parents. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ponda Caudell, who passed away in 1985; brothers, Ray Smith, E.L. Smith, J.C. Smith and Bruce Smith; and sisters, Joyce Smith, Manerva Smith, Patricia Mott, and Sara Campbell.
Bernice married Ponda Caudell in December of 1948 and had five daughters. Bernice babysat children throughout some years, worked at Fieldale, and then retired from The Northeast Georgian at the age of 81 where she made lifelong friends and her coworkers were her extended family.
For the last 10 years, she has resided with her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Ralph, in Powder Springs, where she has spread her wisdom and so much love with all she met. The last few years, there have been many doctors' appointments and lab visits where all those she saw loved her and always looked forward to seeing her. They would have pictures made with her and were considered her extended family as well. Her favorite place to go was to Classic Hair Salon where Pat, Tracy, and everyone spoiled Mama Bernice immensely. She even celebrated her 91st birthday with them. Some days, she would go to work with Martha at Woodland Ridge Assisted Living where Richard, one of the chefs, would always make sure Mama ate well. Many of the staff would take time to talk and visit with her. She loved seeing the therapy dogs, Bailey (who passed in 2019), Gunnar, Cooper, and Bella. Kathryn, the activity director, would try to get her to go do activities but she preferred staying up front and working. Working was a huge part of her life and she loved being with people. In fact, even days before her passing, she was talking about getting up and going to do the dishes or whatever they needed. She had a big heart that was welcoming and loving to anyone and everyone. She was a member of Hillside Baptist Church, and to her children, those were the best days from their childhood. In her spare time, Mrs. Bernice enjoyed cooking, gardening and going on vacation.
Her family was blessed to fulfill her 94th birthday wish of coming to North Georgia and seeing family and friends. They are so grateful to the wonderful staff of Hampton Inn of Cornelia, especially Kendra McCoy, for assisting in making this happen, to Sugartopia for all the goodies, to the family and friends that were able to come celebrate with us, and a special thanks to her great-great-granddaughter, Reagan for sharing the birthday day and crown; her great-great-grandson, Branson, who shares the same birthday as Granny: and to her granddaughter, Donna, her grandson, Kevin, and great-great-grandson, Nolan, for decorating the "Party Room."
In true Bernice Smith Caudell fashion, she leaves this message for everyone; be kind, love each other, share positivity, and do good.
Surviving are her daughters, Margaret Fowler (Tony), Ann Pate, Gaynell Gunn, Eva Mae Paulson (Wayne), and Martha Mesa (Ralph); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Russell Smith (Joann), and James Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, all of who loved her dearly.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the service hour Friday at the funeral home. Those in attendance are asked to please adhere to the public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in Mrs. Bernice Smith Caudell's memory to Woodland Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care, 4005 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.