Bernestine Lattimore Dawkins, 74, of 112 Broad Street, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2022, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
Daughter of the late Sidney and Addie Littlejohn Lattimore, she was born on November 10, 1947. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Demetrice Dawkins and her siblings Steve Lattimore, Robert Lee Lattimore, and Viola Phillips. She was employed with Gaffney Manufacturing for over 30 years.
Dawkins was a lifelong learner and was committed to education. This commitment is evident through her pursuit of education. A 1967 graduate of Granard High School, she went on to further her education. In 1982, she received a certificate from Cleveland Technical College in Electrical Installation and Maintenance. At the conclusion of her matriculation at Limestone College, she received an Associates of Arts degree (1993) and a Bachelor’s of Science degree (1995), respectively. Her zeal for knowledge grew stronger over time and she received certificates in Technical Writing (2002) and Web Page Creation (2003) from Spartanburg Community College. Additionally, she completed her Master of Arts in Education degree at Ashford University in 2011. Most recently, Dawkins was enrolled in a program pursuing her doctoral degree. She was a few months from program completion. Lastly, Dawkins had a strong vision for a better Gaffney for all. Her vision led her to run for Mayor in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
As the evening’s shadows cover this compassionate life, her family members will be left to cherish the special life moments. She leaves behind one grandson Demetrice Wilkins, three sisters: Josephine Petty, Rachel Livsey, and Barbara Lattimore, five brothers: William Lattimore, Edward Lattimore, Jimmy Hardy, CJ Lattimore, and Jarvis Hopper, four sisters-in-law: Cassandra Lattimore, Mary Dawkins, Frances Dawkins, Sue Carol Dawkins, and Julia Johnson and one aunt: Louise Littlejohn. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.
A Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 3rd, at 11:00 a.m., in Fredrick Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Debra Williamson officiating.
The family is receiving friends at the residence, 112 Broad St., Gaffney.