Bernice Chandler, 86, calls herself a daredevil who will try almost anything, including riding on the back of a motorcycle recently. She moved to Morris 17 years ago to be near family.



• Where did you live before you moved to Morris?

I grew up in Bessemer and Tannehill. In Tannehill, my grandparents lived nearby in a big white house in the woods. They had a farm. I really had an enchanted childhood. Later I lived in Hueytown.



• How did you get to Morris?

My son Ric moved to Kimberly. I was retired and and I said I’m not letting my grandbabies move off and leave me.



• Tell me about your family.

I have one son, Ric Chandler, who was on the Kimberly Town Council for 20 years. He and his wife Jan have three daughters. I also have five great-granddaughters and a step great-grandson.



• What about your husband?

His name was James W. Chandler. He died five years ago. He was in Europe in World War II, on the beaches of Normandy. We were married a year and four months when he left. He was gone to war for three years. We were married 62 years when he died.



• Where did you retire from?

I worked for a pipe valve and fittings company for 33 years as an executive secretary. I retired 20 years ago.



• Do you have a church affiliation?

I go to Enon Baptist Church in Morris.



• Tell me about riding the motorcycle.

Jody (Newman, Kimberly Senior Center director) rode it to work one day. She asked if anybody wanted to ride it. I was the only one who volunteered.



• Have you traveled?

My husband and I traveled all over the United States.



• Do you have a favorite TV show?

My two favorites are “The Bachelorette” and “Nancy Grace.” I also like to stay up and watch the news and weather at 10.