BERNADETTE MARIE FERGUSON

Bernadette Marie Ferguson née Welch, was born on December 23, 1950, in Gales Point Manatee, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America, to her loving parents, Henry and Isolene Welch, both of whom have since passed away.  Bernadette was also predeceased by her two brothers, Edward Alvin Jones and Dwight Eugene Welch.

From an early age, Bernadette developed a deep passion for caring for others. As the eldest child, she often cared for her younger siblings while her mother and father worked on the family farm. Her nurturing spirit and willingness to help others became a defining part of who she was in life.

Bernadette dreamed of becoming a teacher and was accepted to attend the Belize Teachers’ College. Unfortunately, she was unable to pursue her studies because her parents needed her help caring for her siblings, particularly because her mother was not well.

At the age of 18, Bernadette met Gilbert Ferguson, and the two began their courtship.  They later married on December 19, 1970. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Clovis Harris née Ferguson, and Delvorine Lewis née Ferguson. 

In 1972, Gilbert migrated to the United States. Bernadette, affectionately known as Bunnie or BB, later met Frederick Dennison. During their relationship, she was blessed with another beautiful daughter, Denise Jenkins née Dennison.

Bernadette began her working life in the Maintenance Department of the British Army in Belize. A Life Dedicated to Helping Others

Although Bernadette was unable to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a teacher, she never allowed that disappointment to stop her from helping and educating others.  She found another way to live out her calling to serve. Bernadette began volunteering with the British Red Cross, which later then incorporated to the Belize Red Cross. In their she immediately began making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. She loved this work so much that she became a dedicated member of the Belize Red Cross and remained actively involved for more than 15 years.

Bernadette served as Assistant Commander, while her best friend, Phillis Gabourel, served as Commander. Together, they devoted themselves to serving their community and helping those in need.  Whenever volunteers were needed to assist with Belize HelpAge or the Belize Council

for the Visually Impaired, Bernadette willingly answered the calls. She visited individuals in their homes, where she took blood pressure readings, taught sign language, and educated people on how to properly care for themselves.  Bernadette’s willingness to serve others was genuine and came from her heart. She did not simply volunteer her time; she formed meaningful connections with the people she helped and treated everyone with dignity, kindness, and compassion.  BB also worked at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize for more than six years. Once again, she made a lasting impact on the lives of the many people who had the privilege of working alongside her.

In the year 1994 Bernadette and her daughter Denise migrated to United States of America. Once settle she started to work at a nursing home in Valley Forge. She later went on to work on the private sector where she selflessly spread her love with those she worked with namely David Prewitt, Lauren and MaryAlice Michael, until she was sick and was force to stay home. Even though she was sick Bernadette still wanted to attend work and would get up early in the morning to get ready, while her daughter Clovis will have to tell her mom “You’re not well, and cannot work anymore”. She didn’t understand at first but later understood that her health came first.

Those Left to Mourn

Bernadette leaves to mourn her four sisters and one brother: Janette Welch, Gilda Kahey née Welch Bowen, Doila Requeña née Welch, Martha Leatherberry née Welch Bowen, Gilbert Welch. Brother in laws: Jitahadi Kahey and Ronald Requeña Sr. and sister-in-law: Isabella Jonesand Raymond Bradley (adopted brother)

Bernadette is lovingly remembered by her husband, Gilbert Ferguson, and her three beautiful daughters: Clovis Harris née Ferguson, Delvorine Lewis née Ferguson, Denise Jenkins née Dennison.

She also leaves behind her sons-in-law, Claude Jenkins, Prudencio Muschamp and Dellon Samuels.

Her grandchildren include: 

Aisha Gentle, Alastair Ferguson, Natisha Brakeman née Jenkins, Shanequia Jenkins,

Jonathan Ferguson, Tecy Lopez-Jenkins, Ryan Ferguson, Cassidy Jenkins.

She also leaves behind her grandson-in-law, Marqueise Brakeman Sr., Timothy Pollard, Serapio Barcelona and her granddaughter-in-law, Gong Changai Ferguson.

Her beloved Great Grandchildren include:

Godfrey McKoy Jr., Anyang Changai, Sayeeda Suazo, Leya Ferguson, Yahir Suazo, Kuol Changai, Adilyn Ferguson, Ar’Jun Jenkins-Gordon, Rajiv Gill, Ghagai Changai, Lilian Barcelona, Marqueise Brakeman Jr., Azari Ferguson, Ma’kai Jenkins-Brakeman,  Ecelia Pollard, E’lye Pollard.

Nieces and Nephews

Bernadette leaves to cherish her memory:

Kimberly (Goddaughter), Edward Jr., Henry, Joanna and Ruth Jones, Shani Kahey (Goddaughter), Marlana Sturgis née Sinclair (Favourite niece), Ronald Requeña Jr., Aziza Kahey, Sausha Gabourel, Fedriana Gabourel, Cecily Requeña (Goddaughter), Henry Gabourel, Mwujiza Kahey, Isolene Requeña (Goddaughter), and Lafonse Leatherberry (Godson).

Grand-Nieces and Grand-Nephews

Nazyia, Jernè, Jada, Hisani, Alice, Edward, Allan,Di Ana, Erhan, E’larie, Aziz, Jendayi, Jahari, Josan, Zafur, E’Rhan, Rasheed Jr., Saniyah, and Adanie. 

Bernadette also leaves behind a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

Special Thanks

Special thanks are extended to Jennifer Enriquez, her beloved cousin; Phillis Gabourel, her best friend; and Lavern Gill, her god-sister, David Prewitt, MaryAlice Michael and Lauren close friends.