Bernetta Vera “Birdie” Mims

Bernetta Vera “Birdie” Mims, 85, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 11:48 am Tuesday, February 14, 2017 in Cottage Hospital.

She was born December 19, 1931 in Mixonville, Alabama the daughter of Buster and Maybelle Gipson Mixon. She married Clyde Jasper Mims on January 25, 1947. He preceded her in death on March 20, 2009.

She is survived by three sons, Fred (Susan) Mims of Iowa City, Iowa, Nathan (Mary) Mims of Galesburg and Bobby Mims of Kansas City Missouri; three sisters, Evelyn (Wesley) Boykin and Ella (Melvin) Hayes both of Toledo, Ohio and Aleen (Nathaniel) Cole of Saginaw, Michigan; fourteen grandchildren, Monica, Corey, Jeremy, Kelsey, Nate, Jr., Jody, Matt, Kirsten, Adrian, Alexander, Jamie, Michael, Gwendolyn and Tanya and fourteen great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter, Ruth Mims, two sons, Willie and Terry Mims, two brothers, Randolph and Gene Mixon and two sisters, Clara Hawthorne and Pearl Clark.

Birdie worked for the Augie’s Airport Inn. She then worked at Knox College in Food Service and later was the food service supervisor at St. Mary Square Living Center. She worked in food service for over 30 years, retiring in 2014. Birdie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a very active member of the Second Baptist Church and had held many administrative roles within the church. She continued her love of cooking by volunteering at Central Congregational Church with the Knox Prairie Community Kitchen. She had a passion for helping people. Birdie was very well known and respected in the community.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 am Monday, February 20, 2017 at First Baptist Church. Rev. John Henry Mims and Rev. Robert Donaldson will officiate. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 pm Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Knox Prairie Community Kitchen. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com