April 26, 1941 – February 18, 2022
KILL DEVIL HILLS — Bernice Etheridge Meekins of Kill Devil Hills, NC passed away on February 18, 2022, in the presence and love of her daughter. Born on April 26, 1941, in Wilmington, NC, she was the daughter of the late Wiley & Christine Etheridge.
Upon high school graduation, Bernice married Bryan Meekins of Colington, NC on November 5, 1960, and were married for 61 years. Bernice is survived by her husband, her children Bryan Meekins, Jr. and Debi Meekins; siblings, Will Etheridge (Judy), Peggy Etheridge Mooring, Bobby Etheridge (Debbie), and Wanda Graham Thompson. She was preceded in death by her sister, Annie Mae Etheridge. Bernice loved all people and never met a stranger; she loved her family most of all, and her children were her life. Bernice was affectionately known by her nieces and nephews as, “Aunt B.”
As the daughter and wife of Air Force veterans, she was able to live in many parts of the world such as Germany, England, and Hawaii. Bernice enjoyed being an artistic painter, an avid reader, an award-winning competitive bowler; mostly she loved to shop! Throughout her life, she had many different career choices including working for the Town of Kill Devil Hills. Later in life, she became a nanny bringing three more children into her family that she loved just as much as her own.
A memorial service celebrating Bernice’s life will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Colington United Methodist Church located at 1949 Colington Road, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.
In addition to flowers, donations can be made on Bernice’s behalf to the Alzheimer’s Association for the research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, at www.alz.org.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
