Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA

Obituary For Bernadette Burden

A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Burden will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00AM; First Iconium Baptist Church, 542 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Interment- Lincoln Cemetery.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 from 4-8pm at Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, 1003 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd Atlanta, Ga 30310.

Due to the spread of COVID-19, we are requesting that everyone please wear a mask.

Services entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel, (404)758-1731.

Guest Book

I just mentioned to a journalist friend of mine who interviewed me today that there were many people in Atlanta that I needed to say "Thank you" to before I leave this world. Bernadette Burden was the first name that I called. After the interview, I continued my day, only to find a message from him 5 minutes ago asking if THIS was the Bernadette Burden that I spoke about to him. Dumbfounded, I read through all of the messages to see if this, indeed, was THE Bernadette Burden. And, yes, it is. I am both shocked and sad. Bernadette Burden was asked to do something unethical by her bosses--I won't say where and she confided that information to me. She refused and lost her job. If Bernadette's family ever read this, please know that I never forgot Bernadette's courage and honesty. I'm just sorry that I didn't get the chance to let her know, decades later, that I appreciated her honesty and commitment to her values.

- na

To the family, my deepest condolences in the passing of my long-time friend and colleague, Bernadette. I was shocked, as many, to hear the news. Bernadette and I don't have close mutual friends, so there was no one I could contact to verify the news was in fact true. I received the CDC notice and was crushed that indeed it was my friend. I actually do not remember the first time Bernadette and I met, it was so many years ago - more than 20. We were both in public health and shaping our early paths in the industry. Every time we spoke, I was always struck by her amazing warmth, cool demeanor, and always supremely intelligent conversation. She was self-assured, yet disarming, funny, yet focused. Whether months or years passed between our long conversations, it was if none had. Truly one of a kind. She will be sorely missed. Prayers of comfort to family and friends who had the great privilege of knowing Bernadette. Warmest regards, Christopher Holliday

- na

Too soon, too soon, and very sad because of that. But also allows me to reflect on what a wonderful human being Bernadette was, and so smart, sharp, kind, and helpful. I met her in the 1990s when we both worked together at the GA health department. She taught me more than anyone about dealing with media and communicating with others (e.g., negotiating with journalists, thinking from the perspective of others who would be receiving my messages). I pass on her wisdom whenever I can at CDC, and just had to do that last week! As a result of my and others' experiences, her influence continues. I hope her loved ones soon find peace and solace.

- na

Our deepest prayers and condolences for your loss. May all find comfort, endurance and peace during this time of sorrow. Revelation 21:4 Darlene Casmere: Miami, Florida

- na

Sending sincere condolences to the Burden family.

- na

My sincere condolences to you, the family and loved ones of Bernadette. She was my classmate at Walker High School, such a smart young woman she was, quirky and funny at the same time. So fun to be around back in the day. Misunderstood by many, but so strong and quietly confident in her own skin. I admired that about her. She will be tremendously missed, our prays are with you for God's manifested strength, peace and comfort now and in the days to come... Stephanie Freeman (Crockett) class of '85

- na

To my beloved classmate, words can't express what I'm feeling right now.. You were the most sweetest person I know.. To the family you have my deepest condolences from the class of 85!!! We Love you Bernadette another Angel in the sky!!!RIP

- na

My sincere condolences to the Burden family. May her wonderful spirit remain with you and give you comfort.

- na

A Beautiful, Compassionate and Intelligent Soul. Gone too soon, but she made a lifetime impact on all of those who sought her friendship, knowledge and guidance. GODSPEED!!!

- na

My heartfelt condolences to Bernadette's family. I pray your memories of her will sustain you, during moments of grief. Bernadette's authenticity was impressive. I was always excited to engage in conversation with her. RIH

- na

Bernadette helped "raise" me and others as we started out in our media careers at CDC. She was a wonderful mentor and a wonderful friend. She always had a twinkle in her eyes and an impish smile like she was on the verge of laughing. That's how I'll always remember her, and I'll always feel lucky to have known her.

- na

I had the privilege of working with Bernadette for several years at CDC. I met her when I became a junior press assistant many years ago, and she taught me so much about my job in those early years of my career. She was quick to share a laugh :) I'll miss her. My condolences to her loved ones. Jay Dempsey

- na

I was fortunate to have worked with Bernadette, if only for a short time. She was a kind and courteous person. She radiated such happiness, from the smile in her voice to her quick laugh. My sincerest condolences to her family.

- na

Remembering Bernadette as a wonderful and caring person. Praying for God's comfort for family and friends.  

- na

As I was just told of Bernadette's passing - the image that sprang to mind was the brilliant smile she seemed to always have. I had the pleasure of working with her at CDC and even when we were hashing out a strategy to deal with bad news, that smile would be there when we agreed on the action plan. I hope memories of that smile, laugh and quick brain will be a comfort to her family in the days ahead. Prayers to all!

- na

I was fortunate to work with Bernadette. She was an amazing colleague.

- na

Bernadette!! Rest in love. You are one of the people who has had the greatest impact on my professional development and early career at CDC! You helped me to believe in myself and not give up (one media interview, press release, and talking point at a time)! You always knew what to do or say even during challenging situations. I will remember the hours you spent coaching me and my teammates during my first couple of years at the agency! I'm happy we had a chance to run into one another (one last time in person) in the elevator before the pandemic! I'll cherish our shared moments and your memory.

- na

Bernadette was so special in so many ways. My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with her friends and family. She will truly be missed. Rest in peace my dear sister.

- na

I will always cherish my time working with Bernadette. She helped me navigate so much throughout the years and made me not only better at my job, but also reminded me to appreciate the life outside of it. I will miss her guidance, but even more I will miss her friendship. My heart goes out to her family during this time.

- na

As a fellow CDC employee, I didn't know Bernadette; however, she sounds as though she was a remarkable woman. Sending condolences to all of those who knew and loved her, especially her family. May God give you all the strength to endure.

- na

I first me Bernadette when we worked together at the Georgia Health Department. She really helped me reevaluate how best to communicate public health messages. She was smart, engaging, and just a pleasure to speak with and I never encountered a bad time when we worked together. She will be missed.

- na

Bernadette will always have a special place in my heart. A dear colleague and mentor. A generous and kind friend. Always smiling, always level-headed, always with a quick and witty remark. You will be remembered. My heart goes to her family during this difficult time.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. | GA