Bernia Fay Womack

Obituary

Dr. Bernia Fay Womack (“Berna Fay”) was born June 17, 1949 to Fred and Bernice Miller in Chicago, Illinois. She had three brothers, Andrew Peter, Anthony and Greggory and one sister, Sheila. Andrew Peter preceded Bernia in death.

Bernia married Christopher Nwokedi and to this union, a son named Bosa (BJ) was born. In 1980, she later married James Womack and to this union, two children, Heather and Jonathan were born.

Bernia’s mother, Bernice, instilled the love and importance of education in Bernia and she began on a quest to gain knowledge and educate children. After graduating from Hyde Park High School, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Chicago State University in 1972.  After receiving her teaching credentials, she went on to teach at Chopin Elementary School. She then graduated with a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Chicago State University in 1988. Bernia became the Assistant Principal of Arthur Ashe Elementary School and went on to graduate with a PhD from Loyola University Chicago in 2003. Bernia ended her 38-year career with the Chicago Public Schools as the Librarian of Julian High School.

“Berna Fay,” as she was affectionately called by her siblings, loved the Lord. She was a member of the Old Land Mark Church of God Holiness in Christ (OLM), first under the pastorship of Bishop Harold Sims, where she was a chartered member of the Inspirational Faith Choir, then under Apostle Robert L. Mitchell until his death in 2013, and finally under Bishop Lary Schiefelbusch. She served as the leader over the Youth Department and the Young People’s Bible Study Program. She used her gifts and talents to teach children about Christ and salvation. She was ordained as a Missionary in 1982 and she took that calling very seriously. She enjoyed announcing, teaching and spreading the good news to God’s people during her 40 years of membership at OLM.

Her compassion for people led her to care for her late mother and to become the caretaker for her elderly cousin, Louise. Bernia  also enjoyed caring and watching over her grandchildren during retirement.

Bernia departed this life on Thursday, May 24, 2018 in the care of Metro-South Hospital.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, a devoted husband, James Womack; two sons, BJ and Jonathan; one daughter, Heather; two stepchildren, Jimmy and Stephanie; ten grandchildren; two brothers and a sister; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins; students and a host of friends.

Amongst all these things, there are no words that can encompass the impact she had on her family, friends, church brothers and sisters and the community.  We will remember her beautiful smile, nurturing embrace, confidence and words of wisdom.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8