Berniece Cazalas

Berniece Elleta Ward Cazalas, also known as Granny, passed away on January 26, 2024, at the age of 83 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born on May 23, 1940, in Fairhope, Alabama. Her family moved to Mobile when she was a young girl where she became a lifelong resident. Berniece was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

After graduating from Baker High School, where she made friends that last a lifetime, she found her niche in civil service. She enjoyed her time at Brookley Air Force Base, but in time, moved to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, from which she eventually retired. From youth to being young at heart, she always loved music, dancing, and a good mystery.

Berniece found solace and community in her faith. She was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, where she worshipped and found support.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her kind and loving nature touched the lives of many. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, devotion to her family, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Berniece is preceded in death by her husband, Walter W. Cazalas, Sr. (Buddy), her parents, George V. and Virla Ward, her brother, George Ward, and her great grandson, Thaddeus Daniel Cazalas.

She is survived by her sons: Walter (Cindy) Cazalas, Leland (LeeAnn) Cazalas, and Gene (Amanda) Cazalas. Berniece was cherished by her grandchildren: Christi (John) Earnest, Rachel Cazalas, Joshua (Michelle) Cazalas, Seth (Sofia) Cazalas, Cameron Cazalas, Zachary Taylor Cazalas, Ana Cazalas, and Amirah Cazalas. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Olivia Earnest, Evelyn Earnest, Josiah Cazalas, Noah Cazalas, Elijah Cazalas, Lillian Cazalas, Talullah Cazalas, and Willow Cazalas. She is also survived by her brother, Steve (Joy) Ward, sister-in-law, Peggy Ward, and brother-in-law, Billy Cazalas, along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Berniece Elleta Ward Cazalas.

Visitation will be at 1:00PM Friday, February 2nd, with the family viewing at noon. The memorial service will be led by Dr. Ben Stubblefield in the Mobile Memorial Gardens Chapel at 2:00 PM followed by graveside thoughts in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.