Berna Gunn-Williams

Berna Gunn-Williams, 91, of Washington, D.C., passed away on August 27th at Potomac Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Born in Shaw, Mississippi, on December 25, 1933, she eventually became the eldest of 10 children, and later attended the Tuskegee Institute before leaving and moving to Washington, D.C. In Washington, she began her career on the Senate side of Capitol Hill, forging lifelong bonds and friendships that she dutifully maintained. She later became an entrepreneur and successful small business owner with her business "Scruples Inc." located on the Georgetown Waterfront. She was an avid gardener and D.C. socialite, often attending inaugural balls and congressional events hosted by close friends James Clyburn (D-SC) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS). A mother of 4, she is survived by her remaining son, David, and her daughter, Mashawn. She also leaves behind her four grandsons, Marcus, Alexander, Stevie, and Taurus. A good and loyal friend to many, Berna was strong in her faith as a Catholic, and now returns home to the Lord for eternal rest.

A celebration of life will take place in 2026, more details to come.