Elizabeth Bernestine

Elizabeth Roque Bernestine was born on November 4th, 1927 in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Charlie and Daisy Roque. The third of six Roque children, Elizabeth grew up surrounded by a loving family. She enjoyed spending time with her siblings and attended St. Anthony’s school on Cane River. 

Elizabeth had a thirst for knowledge, reading many books and magazines to stay up on current events. As a young woman, she was a caregiver for the Williams family on St. Maurice Lane in Natchitoches.  

Elizabeth met her future husband Albert Bernestine Sr. as a youth in Natchitoches. Albert served in World War II and upon his return requested Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. She happily accepted and they were married on October 28th, 1948 at Saint Anthony’s Church in Natchitoches. 

In 1951, Albert Sr. traveled from Natchitoches to Los Angeles, California where he began working for General Motors. Elizabeth, and their two sons Albert, Jr. and Arthur followed, living with Elizabeth’s uncle Henry temporarily. The young family eventually moved into the “Big House” on 60th Street in Los Angeles where they welcomed two more sons, Anthony in 1953 and Christopher in 1964. In 1966, Elizabeth and Albert Sr. relocated their family to Compton where they welcomed their youngest son, Charles, later that year.  She was a nurturing mother to her five sons and a devoted wife to her husband. Elizabeth and Albert Sr. celebrated 50 years of marriage, affectionately referring to each other as “Sweet”.  

Elizabeth was a devout Catholic and member of Our Lady of Victory Church for over 50 years, receiving communion even during her last days. She was also member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas for many years.  

Elizabeth was a skilled seamstress, creating anything from baby clothes to wedding dresses. She was an exceptional cook with many years of kitchen expertise. She was known for her many dishes including gumbo, meat pies, tamales, cornbread, cabbage rolls, biscuits, marmalade, rum balls, eggnog, pralines, tea cakes, pecan and lemon meringue pies. She could make anything, no recipe required!

She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and aunt. She was our “Sweet”, our “Mama”, our “Big Mama”, our “Memom”, our “Nanie”, and  our “Auntie Bet”. Elizabeth was truly a matriarch whose kindness, warmth, and wisdom, touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. 

Elizabeth joins her beloved “Sweet”, Albert Sr. in paradise along with her eldest son Albert Jr., parents Daisy and Charlie, sisters Annie Mae, Jesweater, Nora Lee and brother Joseph. 

She is survived by her sons Arthur, Anthony “Jerry”, Christopher and Charles; grandchildren Audra, Arthur Jr., Jameica, Jerrena, Jerria, Jacqueline “Eva”, Albert III, Elaina, Douglas, Marcel, Denzel, Dominique, and Charles “CJ”; great grandchildren Jazminn, Myeisha, Arthur III, Audra Victoria, Devin, Reonna, Zaibeyn, Kenahdi, Cyan, Jermaine, Dylan, Amaya, Armani and Meleah; great great grandchildren Devin Jr., Dallas and Emma; Sister Theresa, daughters- in- law as well as a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, family, friends and neighbors. 

Our Queen was many things to many people. She taught us how to pray, taught us unconditional love, and how to live life to the fullest. We’ve cherished our time with her and will always hold her dear. We can rest assured that she loves us all “A Buschel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck”. 

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