Born September 6, 1939 in Canton, Cherokee County, Georgia; deceased June 22, 2011 in Hickory Flat, Cherokee County, Georgia.  Bernese was born to Dorsey and Ruby Phillips Haynes.

A lifelong resident of Cherokee County, she graduated from Canton High School where she met Albert Clayton Cagle at a Future Farmers of America Camp.  They were married June 20, 1958.

Albert and Bernese began farming in the late 1950s with Etowah Maid Dairies, which later became Cagle's Dairy.  Raising their family on the farm was a great source of pride for them.  The love of agriculture and history inspired Bernese's many contributions to preserve a way of life that was changing.

Led by Bernese, Cagle's Dairy joined the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in 1979 and that involvement continues today through Cagle's Farm House.  In 2002, she chaired the very first Chamber Tourism Committee.  From 2001-03, she served on the Chamber Board of Directors.

She was involved with the Cherokee County Historical Society almost from its inception in 1975, serving on the Board of Directors from 1982-2000, as Vice President  1988-91, and as President during the years 1985-87 and again in 1996-97.  During Bernese's years with the Historical Society, the Old Historic Marble Courthouse was restored; she received the Liberty Bell Award awarded by the Blue Ridge Bar Association on Law Day in 1995 for her personal involvement in the project.

Bernese served on the Review Board for the National Register of Historic Places, and played a leading role in the organization of the Centennial Farm Heritage Program in Georgia.

The Georgia General Assembly recognized Bernese as 2002 Woman of the Year in Service to Georgia Agriculture, an honor bestowed annually by Georgia Farm Family Health and Safety, Inc.  She also served on the State Women's Committee of the Georgia Farm Bureau.   Bernese was a member of the Georgia Republican Party, and as such was a voting state delegate.  Bernese and Albert were active members of  the North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association for many years, with Bernese serving on their Board.

Bernese is survived by her husband of 53 years, Albert Cagle, and sons Albert Scott Cagle (Hickory Flat, GA) and wife Laurie; Mark Dennis Cagle (Ranger, GA); Gary Len Cagle (Canton, GA) and wife, Teresa; David Clayton Cagle (Hickory Flat, GA) and wife Angela; and brother Hugh Gerry Haynes (Canton, GA) and wife, Patsy.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  Bernese was predeceased by her parents.

The family will receive friends at Darby Huey Funeral Home in Canton, 4-9pm on Thursday, June 23, and also noon-2pm on Friday, June 24.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 24 at 3pm at New Hope Church in Hickory Flat, with the Rev. Horace Richards officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Cherokee County Historical Society.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.DarbyFuneralHome.com