Brunilda "Bernie" Josephine Zapata Boatwright

Brunilda “Bernie” Josephine Zapata Boatwright, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on September 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). She was 79 years old.

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, on June 2, 1946, Bernie moved with her family as an infant to New York City and later to Washington, D.C., where she grew up. She was first married to Gailen David, the father of her children Gailen Lee David Jr. and Kristen Antoinette Williams. She later married James Carroll Boatwright, the father of her son James “Jay” Carroll Boatwright Jr., who preceded her in death in 2004. Bernie made her home in Marietta and later in Canton, Georgia.

Bernie was a woman of great creativity and vision. A talented painter and interior decorator, she became known for her striking design work and murals, which were commissioned for both homes and businesses. She later brought her keen sense of style and determination into a real estate career. She will always be remembered as a trendsetter — admired for her beauty, her natural style, and the originality she brought to her art and design. Through all her work, she sought to bring warmth, elegance, and joy to others.

Those who knew Bernie will remember her as beautiful, feisty, kind, generous, stylish, and always hilarious. She had a playful sense of humor, encouraged everyone around her, and never stopped being her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan. Above all, she will be remembered for her ability to brighten lives with her spirit and for the beauty she added to the world through her art, her presence, and her love.

Bernie is survived by her children:

Gailen Lee David Jr. of Miami, FL, and his partner, Stephen Licata.

Kristen Antoinette Williams of Ellijay, GA, and husband, Steve, with children Sarah Armstrong and husband Will, with their children Nora and William; Stevie Williams, with children Boatwright “Bo” and Rebel; and Parker Blue.

James Carroll “Jay” Boatwright Jr. of Canton, GA, and wife, Carinna, with children Blake Boatwright and his partner, Samantha, with their son Cassius; James “JoJo” Boatwright; and Isabella Boatwright.

She is also survived by her sister, Rosa Zapata, and her brothers, William Zapata and Jimmy Zapata, and husband Richard White.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guillermo and Antonia Zapata, and by her husband, James Carroll Boatwright.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Bernie’s dear friend of many years, Peggy Mills, for her love, care, and fierce advocacy throughout her illness, and to her other loving friends Maria Mills and Theresa Wheatley for their support. They also wish to thank the dedicated staff of Lotus Blossom Hospice and Palliative Care of Sandy Springs and Camelia Place Senior Living in Woodstock for their compassionate care.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare and devastating brain disease that gradually affects balance, movement, vision, and speech. It is often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease, and currently has no cure or prevention. In Bernie’s memory, her family encourages others to learn more about PSP in the hope that greater awareness will lead to better treatments and, one day, a cure.

In keeping with her wishes, services will be private.