Mrs. Bernice J. Hestle

Mrs. Bernice Johnson Hestle of 523 Oakland Avenue, Cordele, Georgia, died Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Crisp Regional Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia. The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Bernice Johnson Hestle was a kindhearted, intelligent, and hardworking woman whose life was defined by quiet strength, compassion, and care for others. Born on July 5, 1949, she spent her early years growing up in a community that shaped her character and values.

She was named after the Bible - a reflection of the faith and grounding that guided her life. She attended A. S. Clark High School in Cordele, Georgia, and Perry High School in Perry, Georgia, where she developed a love for reading and writing that stayed with her throughout the years.

In her career, she found purpose and fulfillment as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Through her work, she learned one of life’s most important lessons: to treat people nicely. Her dedication and gentle spirit touched countless lives, both personally and professionally.

She was married to Harvey Hestle, Jr. of Florida. Later, she met Walter Bell while living in Perry, Georgia, where their paths crossed. Together they began a life of shared memories and family.

Faith played an important role in her life, rooted in her Baptist upbringing at Cross Road Baptist Church and her belief in being good to others. She valued kindness above all, often reminding those around her to “be nice to everyone” and to “share what you have if you have it.”

She enjoyed simple pleasures, raking yards, listening to Rock & Roll and Gospel music, savoring a slice of chocolate cake, and laughing at Sanford & Son. Her favorite colors were blue and green, and she loved pink flowers. Home was her sanctuary, and she could find comfort and peace anywhere she could simply relax.

Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her children, who were the center of her heart and the legacy she cherished most. Those who knew her best will remember her as a hard worker who took pride in keeping things clean and cared for.

Her life was one of quiet dignity and steady love—a reminder that goodness often speaks loudest through simple acts of kindness. The journey ended on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Her parents, Irvin Johnson, Sr. and Eva Mae Johnson; her siblings, Annie B. Roundtree, Madie Smith, Willie James Johnson and Irvin Johnson, Jr., each preceded her in death.

Her life will be remembered and cherished by her children, Sheryl V. Hestle of Warner Robins, Georgia, Denise E. Hestle of Cordele, Georgia, Lashon D. Hestle of Albany, Georgia, Marcia T. Hestle and Stacy T. Hartage (Gary) of Cordele, Georgia, and Cedric K. Hestle (Shantaneika) of Kathleen, Georgia; 17 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; her sisters, Mary A. Sanders of Clearwater, Florida, Emma Hill of Macon, Georgia, and Ella Mae Porter of Warner Robins, Georgia; a brother-in-law, Roosevelt Smith of Cordele, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.