Bernie Dean Gunnels was born on September 13, 1946 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Allen Sr. and Rebecca Demery.  She confessed Christ at an early age while living in Shreveport.

Bernie Dean attended school in the Shreveport School District and graduated from Bethune High School in 1965.   She moved to Kansas City, joining several of her family members, and lived with her brother, Archie Demery. She joined Progressive Baptist Church and served dutifully as Deaconess, Usher, Sunday school teacher, and WMU member during her many years of membership.  She later joined Concord Fortress of hope Church and attended regularly until the Covid pandemic.

After moving to Kansas City, Bernie Dean met and married Willie (Bill) Gunnels.  To this union, two sons were born, Mark and Jeffery.

Bernie Dean acquired a position with Western Electric Company/AT&T where she remained for 15 years and retired in 1985.  After retirement, Bernie Dean sold Tupperware and found time to express her creative ability through sewing, knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, hat making and gardening.

Bernie Dean will be remembered for her sweet smile, compassion for others and her outgoing personality. These qualities remained apparent even during her long illness.

Bernie Dean was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers: Archie, Otis, Josephus, and Booker T; and four sisters, Lou Julia, Jennie Mae, Vessie, and Evelyn.

Bernie Dean passed away on September 18, 2023.  Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 57 years, Willie (Bill) Gunnels; two sons, Mark V. Gunnels (Cassandra) and Jeffery R. Gunnels of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Mark Jr. (Brittney) Gunnels of Los Angeles, CA. and Marshawn Gunnels of Kansas City, MO; one great- grandson, Maverick Gunnels; one sister, Rosie Lee Thomas of Kansas City, MO; one brother, Allen Demery, Jr. of Kansas City, MO; five sisters-in-law, Laverne Gunnels of Grandview, MO, Christine Pouncil, Macy (Ronald ) Miller,  Gladys (Frederick) Burtin, of Kansas City, MO, and Ester Jackson of Raytown, MO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.