Mrs. Berna Pinnix passed from her earthly life to her eternal home on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Gibson House - Hospice of Rockingham County.  Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Browns Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, 461 Browns Chapel Road, Gibsonville, North Carolina.  Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

On Friday, March 12, 2021, Berna Susie Stokes Pinnix, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, peacefully transitioned into eternal life to dwell with her heavenly Father.

Deaconess Berna Pinnix, lovingly known to her family as "Sista Cat" was born on April 27, 1943 in Reidsville, North Carolina to the late Leroy and Eulalia Stokes.  Her educational endeavors were completed through the public schools of Browns Summit, North Carolina.  In her adult years, Berna was employed by Cone Mills Industries and V.F. Corporation.

Berna met and married the love of her life, Vernon Pinnix, and enjoyed fifty years of marital bliss.  She loved the out-of-doors, and when the opportunity availed itself, she would work in the vegetable garden, her beautiful flowers and go fishing.  Berna was an ardent bargain shopper and always purchased clothing for the babies that she cared for and her family.

"Sista" loved her church and was actively involved as a member and officer of the Missionary Circle, Deaconess Board and Usher Board.  She also served as a member of the Senior Choir for a brief period of time.

An angel of mercy and lover of children, Sista volunteered as a foster parent for the Children's Home Society of Greensboro, North Carolina for twelve years, and cared for many babies whom she loved dearly, treating them as her own.  She would be found in tears upon returning them to the Children's Home.

Anyone who knew Sista was touched by her loving spirit and giving nature.  If she saw a need in the church and/or community, one would find her trying to diligently fill that need.

In addition to her parents, Berna was preceded in death by two brothers, James (Doris) Stokes and Alfred Stokes.

Those left to cherish precious memories are:  her loving husband, Vernon Pinnix, of the home; four daughters, Debra Rivera, Tammy Raines, and Tasha (Jerry) Harden, all of Reidsville, NC and Doneka (George) Stadler, of Manassas, VA; eight grandchildren, Miguel, Chad, Whitney, Talea, Anthony, Jr., Jessica, Jayla and Anyah; four sisters, Delois (Albert) Harrison, Beverly Ann Richmond, Teresa Stokes and Kimberley (Victor) Headen, all of Greensboro, NC; four brothers, Tommie Lee (Carolyn) Stokes, Ronnie Jean Stokes, Rev. Willie Stokes and Jeffery Stokes, all of Greensboro, NC; many aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a multitude of cherished friends.

Ashton and Yolanda McLaurin and the McLaurin Funeral Home staff at 721 East Morehead Street in Reidsville, NC are serving the family. Covid-19 precautions will be followed with social distancing, masks and sanitizing required.  You may connect to the Virtual services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855# or FaceBook livestreaming via McLaurin Funeral Home's FB page.