Bernard Terrell

Bernard Bruce Terrell was born February 8th, 1954 in Power, WV to the late Viola Finney-Terrell and Robert Hale.  Bernie, as he was affectionately called in his younger years, was the youngest of five siblings.  Bernard was only 2 years of age when his mother took sick and died suddenly.  Unfortunately because of her untimely death, he never knew the beautiful woman that gave birth to him.  After losing his mother his maternal grandmother Mary Finney-Branch known to everyone as “Granny”, raised him.  Granny lived to be 100 and was able to see Bernard finish school and begin his career.

As a young boy, Bernard loved roaming the hills and valleys in West Virginia.  He attended Beech Bottom Elementary School until the early 60’s when the family moved to Wheeling, WV and eventually to Elm Grove, WV.   Bernard graduated from Triadelphia High School and started his career at Rogers Jewelry Store before moving to Pittsburgh to matriculate in the field of photography.  

To describe Bernard’s personality his sons said it best, “My dad could talk to anyone; his personality was fun, cool, and creative.   He worked harder than anyone I knew: taught photography at Akron University; managed a camera store; had his own studios and was manager of a Ford dealership, all at the same time.   Our father’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh and photography.”

Bernard moved to South Bend, Indiana in the late 90s, to pursue his career in photography. This is where he met his soulmate Andrea Reynolds. Bernard and Andrea got married March 9, 2015.  Born to this union Bernard Jr. Bernard helped Andrea with her children, he treated them all as his own. This union lasted for nineteen years. Over the years Bernard held several occupations. He worked for Mohawk Doors, Frankie’s BBQ, and Linden Grill. Most recently employed by the Colfax Cultural Center.

Although Bernard was very weak, in September he made what would be his last visit to his hometown of Wheeling, WV to visit his sisters, not only did he get to spend time with them but also with his nieces, nephews and cousins, there was nothing but family love that weekend.

In addition to his parents and grandmother, Bernard was preceded in death by his older brother Harold “Sonny” Terrell.  Bernard is survived by wife Andrea Reynolds-Terrell his children; sons Yohannan Terrell, TaRonn Jamal White, Tarodd Amal White and Bernard Terrell, Jr.;  daughters Dianne Mills, Angela Eason; Stepchildren ;Jasmine Bishop, Murray Bishop, Jr, Ashia Bishop, Andre Bishop; grandchildren Travon Terrell, Chayanna Terrell; Step-granddaughters; Rylan and Blessyn Bishop; sisters  Marva Howard, Alma Terrell; sister in law, Dorothy Terrell; brother, David Fuller; nieces Carla Daniels, Regina Montgomery, nephews Rodney Webb,  James Webb, Thomas Leigh, Clifford Howard & Ronald Clemons; numerous great nieces & great nephews and a host of cousins, friends and his special childhood friend Curtis McGhee, Sr.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 starting at 3 PM at Alford's Mortuary.

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