Bernesteen Thomas Medlock, beloved daughter of the late Willie Smith, Sr. and the late Vera Lee Smith, was born December 20, 1940.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System.  During the early years of her occupational service, Bernesteen was employed as a cafeteria worker at River Road Elementary School and later provided domestic services for Dr. Willie Adams and the late Dr. James H. Woods.   Always looking forward to a better future, striving to achieve lofty goals, and forever endeavoring to set unsurpassed examples, she studied to earn her GED at Albany Technical College and later earned an associate degree in accounting.  After earning her degree, she was employed as an insurance clerk with Drs. Adams and Woods, OB-GYN for numerous years.  While her work there proved to be rewarding, Bernesteen made a major career change to become an independent insurance agent for more than 40 years; rising to various leadership positions in the industry and community until her health declined.

In January 1969, she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses symbolizing her dedication to Jehovah God.   She was a faithful servant, dutiful, loved her congregation, and was unceasingly committed to spreading the wonderful word of Jehovah until her demise.

"Mother Medlock and Ms Bernesteen" as she was endearingly called, lived a rewarding life; was a woman of confidence, compassion, kindness, and wisdom; and was highly respected and loved by all whose lives she touched with her generosity and motherly understanding;.   Her heart knew no bounds—that's how she will be remembered.

On September 16, 2022, Mother Medlock quietly transitioned from this earthly journey.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earnest Medlock; three children, Edwin (Nettie) Medlock, Chris Medlock, and Melissa Medlock; one brother, Willie (Geneva) Smith, Jr.; and her maternal grandfather, Johnny Howard.

She is survived by her children, Billy Medlock, Sharon (William) Cole, Barbara Landfair, Michelle Proby, Ernestine Winchester, David Medlock, Steven (Tarsha) Medlock, and Patrick (Winifer) Medlock; siblings, Margaret Jacobs Tatum and Marcellus Howard; sister-in-law, Bertha Medlock; 28 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.