Stephen Williamson “Steve” Bernard

February 21, 1948 – November 26, 2024

Stephen Williamson Bernard, 76 of Boones Mill, VA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and his paintings. He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his best friend of fifty-six years and wife of fifty-one years, Anne Way Bernard; his devoted sister, Carolyn Hornick (Eddie); brother, Philip Bernard (Tom Grey); niece, Rebecca Hornick; nephews, John Hornick (Alexa) and Preston Bernard (Michelle); great-nephews, James and Wells Hornick; and many special relatives-in-law and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne and John Bernard; his brother, Gordon and wife Diane; and Anne’s parents, Polly and Don Way.

Steve went to Cave Spring High School and attended Virginia Commonwealth University as a painting major. There he met Anne, a painting and printmaking major and after they married spent an exciting time in New York City as young artists before returning home to Boones Mill where they eventually purchased their home on Grassy Hill Road at the foot of Cahas Mountain.

Steve worked for many years in the farm and commercial construction business. He custom built a studio behind their home where Anne taught art classes for many years, and they both created many exciting works of art in a variety of mediums inspired by the surrounding landscape. Steve’s ability to draw was uncanny and the titles of his art works were often as provocative as the works themselves. He was also an accomplished guitarist and songwriter. Steve’s work has been exhibited in many shows throughout Virginia and in 2014 he received a prestigious Fellowship Grant from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where he showed his latest work.

Steve will be remembered most as a talented and loving husband, brother, uncle, artist, musician and skilled carpenter who had many friends who thought he was one of the friendliest, most talented, coolest guys around, and a true Southern gentleman.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Boones Mill Christian Church, 7950 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, VA 24065 where he was an elder and member of the choir followed by a reception and visitation for family and friends. Pastor Jordan Smith Arrington will lead the service. Very special thanks to the care team of Good Samaritan Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Bernard Healthcare Center, 1171 Franklin St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or the Franklin County Humane Society, 18401 Virgil H Goode Hwy, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.