Mrs. Bernita Royal

Adams announces the passing of Mrs. Bernita Marie Janet Royal, 86, who transitioned on Monday, May 25, 2020 at Candler Hospital.

Graveside services of Mrs. Bernita Royal will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Viewing will be held from 5 P.M. - 8 P.M., Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Bernita Marie Janet Sanders Royal was born on June 9, 1933 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Herbert Sanders and the late Erma Mae Brooks Allen. Taking Proverbs 22:6 to heart, her parents instilled the importance of the Christian faith in her at an early age. She was baptized at First Bryan Missionary Baptist Church at the tender age of nine. She faithfully served, in various ways, over her 77-year membership.

In her youth, Bernita enjoyed going to the movies, caring for her younger siblings, and spending time with her friends. She soon learned to cook delicious dishes and bake delectable pies and cakes that would later rival those of some of the world’s greatest chefs.  A graduate of Alfred E. Beach High School in Savannah, Georgia in 1950, she enrolled in Savannah State College with a major in Business Management.

Bernita married William Ernest Royal January 12, 1952. They were blessed with five beautiful children.  Having a husband in the Air Force allowed her an opportunity to get a glimpse of the world. They lived in picturesque locales such as Kansas, California, and England before she moved back to her hometown of Savannah.

Having exceptional mathematics skills that were inherited by each of her children, Bernita was employed as a manager for the famed Ritz Club in Garden City, Georgia for many years. Prior to her retirement in 1998, the historic Ballastone Inn, located in downtown Savannah, was honored to have her as a part of their illustrious staff. Throughout her career, she was known as an honorable woman of excellence and integrity.

On April 30, 1987, she was initiated into Electa Chapter No. 1, Order of Easter Star (O.E.S.), Prince Hall Affiliate (P.H.A.). She was a Past Worthy Matron. A stylish woman of elegance who loved to shop, friends and family would call her to get valuable tips on accenting their own ensembles. Her beautifully decorated home often had the delightful aroma of specially made dishes. She remembered what everyone liked whether it was her shrimp and gravy, shrimp salad, crab casserole, baked wings, and fried chicken or sour cream pound cake, 7-Up cake, German chocolate cake, and hearty southern  breakfast.

She indeed loved her family and friends. They deeply loved and adored her. Whether she was called Bernita, Nita, Mama, Mama Royal, Mrs. Royal, Grandma, or Nana, everyone’s deeply abiding love and admiration for her was the same. On Monday, May 25, 2020, after a brief illness, she quietly slipped away from her earthly loved ones and entered into the heavenly presence of her Lord and Savior.

Those who cherish her loving memory and lasting legacy are Five  Children: William Ernest, Jr. (deceased) (Carolyn), Stanley Jose, Denise Marie (Arnold), Yolanda Maria, and Anthony Jay, Sr./Tony (Leslie), Ten Grandchildren: Doris Latonya (Clinton Chris), Darryl Lamont (Nikki), Kamika Cheni, Arnecia Maria, Antasha Jenise (Julius), William Lance, Anthony Jay II, Miranda Nicole, Brent Tyler, and Kristofer Arnold, Six Great Grandchildren: Kelvin Jr., Ashtin, Jayson, Khalid, Halle and Amina, Six Siblings: Fredrica Anderson (deceased), Claude Anderson (Deborah), Fred Anderson, Jr. (Alzena), Erma Jean Allen, John Allen, Jr., and Linda Gail Williams (Rev. Clarence). Nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, extended family, and very close friends, including Barbara Suggs, John White, Suzie Lawrence, and Leslie Freeman, are among the many people who have been impacted by her extraordinary life.

Order flowers & Sign the guestbook using the links on our website: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com