~ Acknowledgements ~
L Tribute oving
“Broken Chain” We little knew that day, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death, we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
The family of Bernice Elizabeth Williams would like to express our sincerest appreciation to everyone for the many words of encouragement, calls of concern, prayers, hugs, visits, and gifts during the convalescing period of our beloved Mother. Words cannot properly convey how much your support has meant to us during this difficult time. HIS grace is sufficient, and HIS strength is made perfect in weakness. May the Lord continue to bless each one of you and forever keep you in HIS tender care. Special thanks to Mrs. Audrey Spraggins, Deborah Burnette, Barbara Bledsoe, and the New Life of Memphis church family.
~The Family
~Honorary Pallbearers ~
Dwayne Garrett Hollis Hubbard
Jeremy Williams Carlos Henderson
~Active Pallbearers ~
Courtney Gibson Christopher Williams Antonio Gibson
Darius Jones Stephen Holman, Jr. Reese Porter
~Committal Rites & Interment~ (To Be Announced) West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
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3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~
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Order of Celebration Saturday, December 18, 2021 12:00 Noon
Life’s Reflections
New Life of Memphis
6825 East Holmes Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38141 Pastor Linda Willis, Officiating Bishop Kevin B. Willis, Sr., Eulogist Prelude Processional........................................................................................Family Scripture Reading.................................................................Stephen Holman
ernice Elizabeth Foster was born September 11, 1936, to Sam Holman and Bertha Foster in Memphis, TN. She attended Hamilton High School and graduated in 1954. While attending Hamilton High School she was a majorette. After graduation, she worked many factory jobs and eventually began working at Shelby County Health Department in 1969 as a custodial worker. Because she was such an excellent worker and was interested in nursing, the Health Department allowed her to go back to school at the Memphis Area Vocational School where she became a Certified Nurses Assistant. She worked at South Memphis Clinic in the Well Child Program and the Family Planning Program. She worked at the Health Department until she retired in 1999. During her tenure, she received many awards and recognitions for her performance. Bernice gave her life to Christ at an early age. Over the course of her spiritual journey, she was a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Mt. Joyner Baptist Church (serving faithfully on the Women’s Committee and Pastor’s Aid), and Grace Christian Fellowship. At the time of her death, she had been a member of New Life of Memphis for over 10 years. Bernice was the mother of 5 children whom she adored. She taught her children integrity, emphasizing“You are a Holman and you don’t just do anything.” She would have meetings on Sunday evenings with them to discuss their future and inspire them to be all that they could be. Bernice married Robert Williams on June 21, 1986. They enjoyed traveling together and were married for 35 beautiful years.
Prayer...........................................................................Minister Levita Jones Musical Selection.........................................................New Life of Memphis
Expressions of Love (Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Verdis McNutt Minister Carol Collins Brenda Beck Darius Jones Prophettess Alisa Gibson
Dear Mom We want you to know you mean the WORLD to us! Only a heart as dear as yours would give sounselfishly. You make us laugh, you love, you care When we need help, you’re always there You are our ROCK, ANCHOR, TUTOR, & OUR FRIEND. Our guradian anegl and the source our our strength. We might not say it often but we appreciate all you do We’re truly blessed for having a MOM like YOU! Thank you and we love you so much
Bernice was preceded in death by her mother and father, ten siblings, and a special son-in-law Anthony Gibson. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband Robert Williams, five children; Alisa Gibson, Levita (Antonio) Jones, Stephen (Paula) Holman, Gina Holman, Stephanie (Thomas) Morrow; an adopted daughter Brenda Beck; three bonus children; Dennis Williams, Demetrius Williams and Tony Williams, ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; four siblings: Leroy Holman, Allen (Lela) Holcomb, Renee (Wess) Butler, and Randy Holcomb, and three god-children, Deborah Sharpe, Carolyn Turnage and Lelia Bell. Also special to Mrs. Bernice was a special group of ladies called The Eagles, who loved the Lord and liked having fun. Their names are; Freddie Lee, Elizabeth Hubbard, Christine Douglas, and Mattie Noel. Bernice Williams also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Musical Selection.........................................................New Life of Memphis Words of Comfort..............................................................Apostle Tony Wade
Devine Life Church
Video Reflections Acknowledgements.....................................................................Cecelia Beck Musical Selection.........................................................New Life of Memphis Eulogy....................................................................Bishop Kevin B. Willis, Sr. Recessional
The Magic of a Grandmother’s Touch
C
herished Memories
There’s magic in a Grandmother’s touch, and sunshine in her smile. There’s love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile. While can find both hope and courage Just by looking in her eyes. Her laughter is a source of joy, her works are warm and wise. There is a kindness and compassion to be found in her embrace, and we see the light of heaven shining from a Grandmother’s face.