Bernice Smith

Bernice Smith

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born: On January 20, 1952, in Macon, Georgia, Clinton and Retha Mae Smith welcomed the birth of their second baby girl, Bernice Smith. To this union, three children were born: Recille, Bernice and Johnnie. Her loving parents, Retha Mae, Clinton, and her step-father, John T. Brown, all preceded her in death.

A time to build up: In her early years, Bernice received her education in the Chicago Public Schools. She attended Lawson Elementary, graduated from Julius Hayes Hess School (now Lawndale Academy) and from there, she attended John Marshall Metropolitan High School. Bernice had a passion for learning and a desire to educate others, so she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She continued her education by earning a Master’s Degree from Concordia University and her Type 75 Certification as a school administrator.

A time to plant: Bernice wanted to invest in her community, so she began her teaching career at the Mason Elementary School in Chicago. She later moved to teach at the secondary education level at Mather High School, Orr High School, Taft High School and Austin High School from where she retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Bernice taught English, served as a reading specialist and was a computer lab instructor over the span of her career. Bernice touched the lives of so many students who always came back to say “Thank You Ms. Smith” for the teaching, love, support and positive example she provided.

A time to love: Bernice accepted Christ at an early age. She united with the Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago on June 24, 1979 under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Shelvin Jerome Hall and continued to serve faithfully under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Reginald E. Bachus. Oh how she loved her church family, her Pastor and her First Lady! As a dedicated member of Friendship for almost 38 years, Bernice faithfully served in her church in the following ministries: Chairman of Christian Education, Secretary of the E. L. Twine Ministry, a member of the Bridge Builders, Baptist Training Union and the Contemporary Sunday School class. Bernice’s devotion to God and her commitment for educating His followers, ignited her passion for working with and teaching New Members Orientation for over three decades. Bernice was a devoted member of the weekly Wednesday Bible Study classes at 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. and attended all church services on Sundays and special programs. She also participated in other Christian organizations including Salem Baptist District Association, the Baptist General State Convention, and the National Baptist Congress. Bernice continued her Christian development by completing all phases of course work in the Certificate of Progress Program (COPP) to obtain her certification to teach Christian Education courses. You could always expect to see Bernice at church whenever the church doors opened with a smile on her face and a Bible in her hand. Her humble demeanor, quiet disposition and remarkable talent of working in the background to advance “God’s program” allowed Bernice to make an indelible mark on the hearts of her Friendship family and she will be greatly missed.

A time to embrace: Bernice was affectionately known as “Bern,” “Bernie,” “Smitty,” “Smith,” “Ti,” “wheelie lips” by her brother and her most cherished title as “Aunt or Auntie Bernice.” For those who encountered her smile, loving kindness, generosity and caring disposition, she became their “Aunt Bernice” too. Bernice was a remarkable person. As the family historian, Bernice gathered and recorded information on the Jackson family tree and enjoyed planning programs for the annual family reunion. Bernice loved to spend time with her family and enjoyed visiting her aunts each week with a delectable treat. Who could forget her “catering” skills with her delicious cakes, pies, brownies, cookies and her unforgettable sub sandwiches that were always a crowd pleaser. Although Bernice had no biological children, she was instrumental in the rearing of her nieces Michele and Kimberly, her nephew Johnnie Jr. and her great niece Morgan and great nephew Niles. She made sure that they attended all youth activities such as BYF, Angelic Choir and Hall’s Ensemble rehearsals and other church programs. Aunt Bernice poured generously into all of her nieces and nephews with motherly love and taught them to love the Lord with all of their heart.

A time to die: Bernice accepted God’s calling on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 10:07 a.m. surrounded by a host of family and friends.

A time to mourn: Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Bernice leaves to cherish her memory her devoted sister, Recille (Shelby) Taylor of Maywood, IL and loving brother, Johnnie (Emma) Smith of Chicago, IL; four nieces, Michele (Eric) Pratt of Bolingbrook, IL, Kimberly Taylor of Berwyn, IL, Shamira (Valentine) Garcia of Stone Mountain, GA, Mandy (James) Hamilton of Battle Creek, MI, and one nephew, Johnnie Smith, Jr. of Chicago, IL; eight great nieces and nephews; four aunts, Martha Lockhart, Geneva Jackson, Sylvia Jackson and Lorraine (J.C.) Horton all of Chicago, IL; one uncle, William (Barbara) Brown of Maywood, IL; special lifelong friends, Betty Booker, Bobbie Burrell, Linda Collins, Sharon Hartshorn, and Voula (Michael) Glower; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.