Bernice Mullins was born January 29, 1929 at Smithsboro, Kentucky.  His parents were Jasper Mullins and Sylvia Gibson Mullins. His  grandparents on his father's side were William Riley Mullins and Leodicia Everage Mullins.  His maternal grandparents were James and Rosanna Johnson Gibson.  His great grandfather was Nicholas Everage, a brother to Solomon Everage, the grand-    
daddy of Troublesome who knew the value of education of well.

Bernice married Bertha Sizemore and they have four children. Eugene married Teresa Pratt and they have one daughter, Trisha Jean.  Harold Dean's three children are Harold Jr. Nathan and Shae Mullins. daughter Zena married Richard Slone and they have twins, Richard Jr. and Katrina Slone. The youngest son, Gregory, married Cathy Hall and they have  daughter, Sarah Rebecca Mullins.

Bernice graduated from Carr Creek High School and attended Union College at Barbourville.  There, he received a teaching certificate and he taught in a school on Irishman for two years.  At this time he decided teaching was not for him and he started working in the company store at Knott Coal Company.  In 1954, at the age of twenty-four, he was persuaded to run for school board member.  He was elected and took office in January, 19554 and served in Knott County for thirty-six  years, retiring in 1991. Through the years, most of his vacation days were used to support the youth of Knott County. Some of these days were used before the State Board of Education in Frankfort to plead for the continuation of the Cordia School.

Bernice was noted for his attendance at school functions where he and his wife Bertha, always gave encouragement and support to all school activities.  He was a staunch supporter of all school personnel and worked with the teachers and the board to develop their first contract. He was a fair, competent, hard working supporter of education who was recognized as a leader in he Upper Kentucky River Educational District.

In 1956, he was employed at the United Mine Workers (ARH) old hospital, two months before it opened for patients in hazard. His daughter was the first employee's baby born in that hospital. Bernice served as recording secretary, vice president and president of the local union.  He also served as nursing service supervisor for a period.  There, too, he continued to work for the people of Knott County through employment and services.

Bernice Mullins retired May 3, 1991, and one month later suffered a stroke from which he is still recuperating.  His persistence through pain, therapy and recovery is consistent with his zeal for service and his devotion to family, schools and community.

Corbett Mullins
May 10, 2003