Bernadette Allen Kirk

Bernadette Allen Kirk passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 4, 2024. A native of York County, she was the daughter of the late Bobby Lee Allen, Sr., and Marie Douglas Allen. Bernadette graduated from Emmett Scott High School and worked at St. Joe Paper Company until its closing, after which she joined Wells Fargo, where she eventually retired.

Bernadette was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying football, basketball, and boxing. In her younger years, she played softball for St. Mary’s Community League. She also loved fishing and camping with her family, grandkids, and Mr. Sherman. Bernadette served in the United States Army, which marked the beginning of her travels and the creation of lasting memories and experiences.

In addition to her passion for sports, Bernadette loved cooking and operated her own catering business, “Sweet Bernadette’s.” Her most beloved recipe was her famous deviled eggs.

Bernadette shared a lovely life with her long-time partner, Sherman Crawford. They resided in Charlotte, NC, until relocating to Rock Hill, SC, in their later years to be closer to Bernadette’s family.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Galatia Canty-Wilkerson and nephew, Tyrone Ervin.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories include her partner, Sherman Crawford; her daughters, Onika Jennings (Dorian) of Gastonia, NC and B. Deborah Kirk-Thomas (Joe) of Lake Wylie, SC; three grandchildren, Akeem Whitlock, Aaliyah Young, and Tariq Thomas; and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara "Pee Wee" Allen Ervin (Roy) of Rock Hill, SC; three brothers, Bobby Lee Allen, Jr. (Gladys) and Johnny Allen (Felicia) both of Rock Hill, SC, and Larry Jones (Juanita) of Chester, SC; four nephews, Gerald E. Canty, Sr. (Christina), Dominique Ervin (Tonya), Desmond Ervin, and Jeremy Allen; five nieces, Cherisse Ervin, Tonia Ervin, Omeka and Demetria Allen, and Johnna Allen-Frierson; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends from near and far.