Bernice Deem
Age - 75
December 7, 2023
Bernice John "Bernie" Deem, 75, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023. Bernie was born on July 28, 1948, in Kingwood, WV, the sixth of seven children. She was a proud graduate of Kingwood High School, where she was honored as a Princess at the annual Preston County Buckwheat Festival. During her years at West Virginia University, she made many lifelong friends, including her sisters at Pi Beta Phi, and her husband, Bryan Deem, the love of her life. Bernie and Bryan were married for over 50 years. Together, they traveled the world, venturing far afield from their roots in Kingwood and Parkersburg, WV, to visit over 35 countries. Bernie was a trailblazing career woman for her generation. She leveraged her English degree to ultimately become the Executive Vice-President of Human Resources for Kanawha Valley/One Valley Bank. Her family often marveled at how you could not go anywhere in town without Bernie running into a friend or colleague, or, quite often, someone who was both. Following her corporate career, Bernie continued her passion for Human Resources as a Principal with AlignHR, LLC, where she was still actively engaged at the time of her passing. During her long career, Bernie received a wide variety of accolades and recognition, including twice being honored by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), named as a WV Wonder Woman in 2017, serving as an expert witness on HR matters, and authoring numerous articles. She was well-known as an engaging and high energy speaker and instructor for SHRM and banking conferences. In addition to her many career accomplishments, Bernie was a wonderful wife to Bryan and inspirational mother to her two daughters, Carrie and Stephanie. One of her greatest sources of joy was being a "Sity" (in tribute to her Lebanese heritage) to her two grandchildren, Megan and Harrison. She was also known as an exceptionally fun sister, sister-in-law, and aunt, among her large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John B. John and Philomena John of Kingwood. Bernie is survived by her husband, Bryan Deem of Charleston; daughter, Carrie Deem Lindsey (Rob Lindsey) of Chantilly, VA; daughter, Stephanie Deem of Falls Church, VA; and grandchildren, Megan and Harrison Lindsey. Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a. m. Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, with Rev. Todd Wright officiating. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 4:00 p. m. Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. barlowbonsall. com. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.Show more
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