Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of our beloved Bernice, a woman whose presence shaped our lives in ways words can barely hold. She was our steady place, our soft landing, our laughter in quiet moments, and our comfort in difficult ones. To know her was to be wrapped in a love that asked for nothing and gave everything.

Bernice lived her life with a grace that felt effortless, the kind that came from a heart anchored in faith, kindness, and an unshakable devotion to her family. Her hands held generations. Her wisdom guided us. Her joy lifted us. And her love, that unmistakable and irreplaceable love, will echo within us forever.

As her family, we were blessed with a closeness that felt sacred. She taught us how to love without conditions, how to stand with courage, and how to find beauty even in the ordinary. Her stories, her laughter, and her gentle way of making everyone feel seen are the gifts she leaves behind, woven into the fabric of who we are.

In honoring her, we share the words she wanted us to carry in our hearts:

“Remember me with smiles, not tears,For all the joy through all the years.Recall a closeness that was ours,A love as sweet as fragrant flowers.Don’t dwell on thoughts that cause you pain,We’ll see each other once again.I am at peace, try to believe,It was my time, I had to leave.But what a view I have from here,I see your face, I feel you near.I follow you throughout the day,You’re not alone along the way.And when God calls you, you will beRight by my side, right here with me.Till then, I’ll wait by heaven’s door.We’ll be united evermore.”

Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing Bernice is at peace, surrounded by the light she always carried within her. We imagine her now with that familiar smile, watching over us, guiding us still, and reminding us that love does not end, it simply changes form.

We will miss her every day. We will honor her in the way we live. And we will carry her with us always, until we meet again.

It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of a strong, faithful warrior of the Lord. We know her transition to be with God was a beautiful and peaceful event, taking place on the morning of June 22, 2026, at the blessed age of 90.

Bernice W. Ward was born on March 26, 1936, in Tennille, Washington County, Georgia, to her loving parents, Harrison and Mary Williams. Her early years were shaped by the warmth of a close-knit family and the values of faith, perseverance, and love. After the passing of her mother, Mary, when Bernice was just 10 years old, she was lovingly raised by her bonus mother, Hattie Lou, who stepped into her life with open arms and a nurturing spirit. The bond they shared became one of the defining relationships of Bernice’s childhood, grounding her in strength and compassion that she would later pour into her own family.

Bernice became a mother early in life, giving birth to her oldest daughter, Cornel Denice, before beginning her college journey. Her determination to build a strong foundation for her family never wavered. She graduated from Fort Valley College with her bachelor’s degree and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Youngstown State University, then known as Youngstown College.

Education was not just her pursuit, it was her calling. She believed deeply in the power of learning and in the responsibility to uplift others through knowledge.

Following graduation, Bernice married Donald Brown Sr., and together they shared 19 years of marriage and welcomed three additional children: Donald Jr., Lynn, and Lisa. She began her teaching career at Williamson Elementary School, where her compassion for children shone brightly. She had a gift for seeing the best in every child, especially those who needed a little extra patience and love. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, structure, and joy, a true reflection of her heart.

After the tragic passing of her youngest daughter, Lisa, Bernice made the difficult decision to step away from teaching. Though her heart for children never dimmed, she transitioned into a new chapter, building a long and dedicated career in manufacturing at General Electric and Tampco. Even in these roles, her work ethic, leadership, and kindness left a lasting impression on colleagues who admired her strength and steady presence.

In 1980, Bernice married Richard Ward, and the two shared a loving union until his passing in 1991. Their marriage was filled with partnership, faith, and a shared devotion to family, a bond that brought comfort and joy to Bernice during those years.

Yet Bernice’s greatest legacy was always her love. She continued to pour her gifts into the world by becoming a foster mother, opening her home to children in need, and later starting her own childcare. Her home was a place where little ones felt safe, where laughter echoed, and where every child knew they were cherished. She adopted her youngest daughter, Audreyonna Ward, completing her family in a way that felt divinely guided.

Bernice’s love extended far beyond her immediate children. She played a central role in raising a host of grandchildren, great-nieces, nephews, and countless children who found comfort in her presence. She was the grandmother who made every holiday feel magical, who never forgot a birthday, who prayed over her family with conviction, and who offered wisdom with a gentle touch. Her presence was a blessing, her guidance was a gift, and her love was a foundation that strengthened generations.

Bernice lived 90 years with grace, courage, and a heart that never stopped giving. Her legacy is woven into every life she touched, a beautiful tapestry of faith, resilience, and unconditional love.

Bernice was preceded in death by her father, Harrison; both mothers, Mary and Hattie; her husband, Richard; six siblings, Frances, Mattis, Sadie, Hamp, Pearline, and Ruth; and three children, Lisa, Audreyonna, and Donald.

She leaves to cherish her memory her siblings, Dorothy Jordan of Decatur, Georgia, Normie Williams and his wife, Angeline, of Sandersville, Georgia, Harrison Williams Jr. and his wife, Helen, of Oconee, Georgia, and May Braddy of Marion, Ohio; her daughters, Cornel Denice Glasker and her husband, Robert, of Aiken, South Carolina, and Lynn Gamble and her husband, Tyrone, of Youngstown, Ohio; her stepchildren, Ricky, Bobby, and Beverly Ward; her grandchildren, Demetrice, Larry Hooks Jr., Rico Williams, Davion Smith, Tomika Veal and her husband, Bernard, Tenise Weaver and her husband, Steve, Jeremiah Hart and his wife, Janelle, Jayda Ward, Zion Ward, and Marianna Ward; forty great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, foster children, and the many children she loved and raised along the way.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 3, 2026, at New Bethel Baptist Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, 330-743-4098.