Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
Life’s Reflections
Celebrating A Life Lived According to The Word Of God
Bernice Ann Moss Rhodes, DPh
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”- Ecclesiastes 3:1
Bernice Ann Moss Rhodes stepped into time on February 23, 1951 as the daughter of James William Moss and Ophelia Armstrong Moss. She would trade this time for eternity on October 8, 2024.
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”- Romans 10:9-10
Bernice was an unapologetic Christian, being saved, baptized, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age. She was a member of Christ Community Church of God in Christ, where she served under the leadership of Pastor F. Thomas.
“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her” - Proverbs 31:27-28
On October 15, 1969 Bernice married the love of her life Daniel Rhodes. Some would describe their relationship as an inseparable bond of love and encouragement one for another. Their union was blessed with one child Danielle Anjannette Rhodes their joy.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”- Proverbs 1:7
A Lifelong learner and accomplished scholar Bernice was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and a Alumna of Lemoyne Owen College and the University of Tennessee at Memphis where she earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree. She was employed as a Pharmacist with the Veterans Administration. This amazing gift of scientific knowledge was shared with her daughter Danielle Thomas,PharmD, who became her legacy in the pharmaceutical profession. Bernice Ann Moss Rhodes was very welcoming to her Interns before her retirement as she served as a mentor to many.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband Daniel Rhodes and her parents Mr. James and Mrs. Ophelia Moss
“I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them” - Revelation 14:13.
Bernice leaves to cherish her memory and to continue her life work of giving, organizing, and reaching of greater life opportunities, her devoted and loving daughter Danielle A. Rhodes Thomas and her son in love Joseph Thomas. Her sisters Deborah (Malcolm) Williams, Otha Moss, Patricia Fay Moss and Sarah J. Tunstall, brothers; Terry (Essie) Moss, James (Sherrill) Moss and John (Jessie) Moss. Numerous of Nieces, Nephews, Friends and a grateful Village of adopted children.
My Dearest wife,
We met when we were only 9 and 10 years old. On that day, you told me I was going to marry you. Ten years later, I did just that. I know it seems like yesterday when I left you for my voyage to the great beyond. I have patiently waited for you the last 13 years. God knew our baby needed you. I’ve watched your relationship grow by leaps and bounds. I’ve seen it transform from the traditional motherdaughter relationship to the best of friends. In my death, your relationship flourished. The affection you’ve been able to show has allowed her to become the woman we both knew she could be. Her strength and resilience is all because of you. Your task down there is done. I welcome you to your mansion in a city where the streets are paved with gold. I met you there with open arms. We have been reunited and to be honest it feels so good. We will continue to watch and guide Danielle from afar. As our love goes on for eternity, so will our love story.
Together in Heaven your Husband, Daniel Rhodes
Farewell My Beloved Mother
Somewhere in my heart beneath all my grief and pain, Is a smile I still wear at the sound of your dear name. The precious word is ‘MOTHER’, she was my world you see, But now my heart is breaking cause she’s no longer here with me. God chose her for His angel to watch me from above, To guide me and advise me and know that I’m still loved. The day she had to leave me when her life on earth was through, God had better plans for her, for this, I surely knew. When I think of her kind heart and all those loving years, My memories surround me and I can’t hold back the tears. She truly was my best friend, someone I could confide in, She always had a tender touch and a warm and gentle grin. I want to thank you Mother for teaching me so well, And though the time has come that I must bid you this farewell. I’ll remember all you’ve taught me and make you proud you’ll see. Thank you my Dear Mother for all the love you showed me. Although you’ve left this earth and now you’ve taken flight, I know that you are here with me each morning, noon and night.
Love, Danielle and Thunder
In Loving Memory of our Wonderful Sister
Of all the special gifts in life however great or small, to have you as our Sister was the greatest gift of all.
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear
“We love and miss you Sister and wish that you were here”
Deep in our hearts, your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget. No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there.
A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near in our hearts forever.
~Moss Clan
The phrase “a village” is a reference to the idea that a child can’t be raised alone and that it takes a community of people to help a child grow and thrive. The phrase is often used in the context of child-rearing, but it can also be used to describe a group of people who support and love someone beyond their community
The phrase “it takes a village” is often attributed to an African proverb. The term “village” can refer to a group of people who are involved in a child’s life, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, teachers, and coaches. The term can also refer to a supportive group of people in general, and can include people who are close by and others who are far away YOU WERE OUR VILLAGE
~Acknowledgements ~
The family of Bernice Ann Rhodes would like to thank you for your calls, prayers, visits, and various acts of kindness shown to us during this challenging time. Your outpouring of love and support will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful and ask that you please keep us in your prayers.
