Berneda Birdsong, 91 years of age, passed away at her residence in Bogalusa on July 2, 2015. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her sons, Bill (Krissy) Birdsong of Houston, Larry (Gladys) of Nevada City, Calif., and Tom (Lisa) and Bernie (Judy) Birdsong of Bogalusa; grandchildren, Dawn (Eric), Vanessa (Daniel), Aimee, Erin, Cory (Heather), Jonathan, Emily, Becky, Mark (Stacia) and Lori (John); great-grandchildren, Lauren, Ashley, Haley, Sophia, Alec, Mac, Julian and Adrienne; nephew, Alan (Jane) Lendway of Vermont; sister, Mary Imelda Dolan of North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Sarah and Urline; and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces from her nine Augustine siblings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, L. F. Birdsong; son, David A. Birdsong; parents, Fred and Elma Augustine; brothers and sisters and spouses, Lucille (Richard), William (Josie), Kenneth (Wilma), Gladys (Arthur “Junior”), Alvin (Nealine), Harlan (Polly), Joe and Charles; and guardian dog and local hero, Ricky.

She was a graduate of Saint Scholastica Academy and a lifetime member of Annunciation Catholic Church. There, she was a member of the Ladies Altar Society, Knights of Columbus-Kaycettes and the Saint Theresa Study Club for 38 years. While raising her five sons, she was an active Cub Scout leader and continued supporting her sons and grandsons through the Boy Scouts and Explorer Posts. An avid gardener, she was a member of the Northeast Garden Club, serving as president along with other offices. In 2013, she was awarded the Circle of Roses by the Louisiana Garden Club Federation. She was a supporter of the Varnado Store Museum and Museums of Cassidy Park. Her house is filled with binders, notebooks and writings documenting local history and genealogy. She was also a member of the Bogalusa Civic League, YWCA board member, American Legion Auxiliary, Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce and many other civic organizations.

The family would like to thank the staff of Camellia Home Health/Hospice, especially Brandi, John, Floyd and Misti, and to the Eucharistic ministers of Annunciation Church and Evelyn Scroggs for the weekly visits to her home, which meant so much to her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Catholic School, Annunciation Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 6 p.m.

Visitation will continue at Annunciation Catholic Church, 517 Avenue B, Bogalusa, on Thursday, July 9, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with Father Jeffery Montz officiating. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens.