Ms. Bernice Murchison

Bernice Murchison also known as “Bern”, “Boon” or “Ms. B” was born on May 27, 1930 in Greenville, NC to the late Maetta Powell- Murchison-Godley and Clyde Murchison. She was the eldest girl out of twelve children. The Lord called her to her eternal resting place on September 16, 2023, in the comfort of her home. Bernice attended Cherry Lane school in Pitt County but quickly recognized her purpose at an early age, she began serving her younger siblings to take the load off her parents and to make sure they were able to become academically successful. She utilized the life skills she had gained, and applied them to raising her own family. She later continued her education to take up a trade of sewing at a community school in Greenville, NC. From there she began sewing all of her and her children’s clothes and quilts. Bernice’s work ethic was like that of none other it was deeply embedded inside of her. Bernice was able to hold down three jobs at one time to make sure her family was well provided for all while never complaining. Bernice had an array of jobs throughout her life and she took pride in them all including tobacco and cucumber fields. “What Ever You Do”, “Do the Best You know How” was one of her favorite sayings, and she truly lived by it. She Was employed by Century Sawyer Chicken Factory of Robersonville, NC, for many years. She was also employed by Washington Crab House of Washington, NC, and was acknowledged with a certificate for her punctuality as well being the fastest crab picker several years in a row. She retired from Burroughs Welcome after many years. She loved to stay active so she pursued positions with Court Yard Marriott as she enjoyed meeting various people from all walks of life. Later she decided to do what she was already doing and was hired as an elderly caregiver for several families and they all loved and welcomed Ms. B into their families. Bernice was a woman of strong Faith whom loved the Lord with all she had and knew exactly where her help came from. Bernice understood that the joy of the Lord was her strength. She would spend countless hours reading her bible aloud, while listening to her favorite gospel radio station WOOW 1340 and one of her most favorite gospel singers, Jeff Parker whom she loved dearly. She kept a Praise on her lips and a Dance in her hips” Bernice became a member of Whichard Cherry Lane Church, Stokes, NC where she served for many years, she later joined Holy Trinity United Holy Church in Greenville, NC before becoming a member of Wells Chapel of Greenville, NC where she attended until her health began failing. Bernice was a beacon of light with an infectious smile and laugh that would brighten up anyone’s day. Bernice had so many God given gifts that she shared with the world. She had a passion for gardening and flowers. She truly had a special anointing for cooking especially collards. We called her the “Collard Queen” Not only did she have a passion to cook but to grow her own food. Bernice would spend countless hours in the kitchen only to pack it all up and take it around to different ones in the community. Her day consisted of taking different ones to work, grocery stores, pay bills etc. Bernice truly understood her God Giving assignment. Ministry was not just in the four walls of church, she was the church and she did so by serving and giving to others. She made it her business to go by and sit with the sick at the nursing homes. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren, she took pride in doing whatever they were doing, including singing, dancing, playing a game or just sitting back eating crabs and watching her favorite show “Family Feud” featuring Steve Harvey. Bernice was the resilient matriarch of her family and busted through many glass ceilings so that the next generation would not have to. Out of her ninety- three years, life had thrown so many obstacles her way but through her unwavering faith and determination she overcame them all. She courageously leaped across many thresh holds with her end goal in mind. She was also a woman full of financial wisdom and integrity, her most popular story she shared was how she was able to purchase a brand new car off the lot while working hard, saving and maintaining excellent credit throughout life. She lived each day to the fullest and gave the greatest gift of all and that was her love. She paved the way for her family. Bernice leaves behind a legacy and some dancing shoes that we only hope we can come close to filling. Bernice will be truly missed and cherished forever by her family, friends, and we are forever grateful for the time allowed and the memories made. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, (Sons) Michael Murchison, Ernest Murchison, Celester Murchison; (Daughter) Daisy Mae Murchison; (Brothers) Clinton Murchison, Curtis Lee Murchison, Willie James Murchison, Clyde Murchison; (Sisters) Dorothy Presson-Mitchell, Margie Chase, Mamie Robinson. She leaves to cherish and continue her legacy: Three Beautiful Children, William Earl Murchison (Bertha) of GA, Joe Russell Murchison (Tammy) of Greenville, NC, Peggy Joyce Murchison of Greenville, NC; Loving Brother, Clifton Earl Murchison of Farmville, NC; Loving Sister, Shirley Ebron of Winterville, NC; fifteen loving grandchildren & twenty-four great grandchildren; a host of loving, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and dear friends.

Tributes

Ms. Bernice Murchison

May 27, 1930 - September 16, 2023