Bernice Whitman

Bernice Whitman was peaceful, loving, kind, generous, trustworthy, compassionate and faithful to God. She began her life's journey on September 21, 1937 in Oakwood, Texas. Bernice was the second of seven children born to Burnice and Almeta McCalister. She was raised in a loving and caring environment in the city of Oakwood, Texas, surrounded by her beautiful family.

She attended school in Oakwood and Tucker, Texas. She attended The Beauty Institute after relocating to California. Bernice eventually owned and operated her own Beauty Salon. Her salon was affectionately called “Miss Bernice”. She operated the salon for many years. Making many lifelong friends. Often seeing sisters in the community in need and taking it upon herself to do their hair out of the goodness of her heart.

Bernice married Leonard Whitman Jr. II, in 1956. She was the proud mother of two sons, Leonard Whitman Jr. III and Stanley Eugene Whitman. The family resided in San Francisco for many years. Family was very important to Bernice. She loved her children, grand children and great grandson. There was nothing that she would not do for her family. They meant the world to her.

Miss Bernice loved to travel. She traveled as far as Hawaii, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas. She attended the Godly Girls Network in San Jose, CA and was a member of When Sunday Comes Book Club.

Bernice loved God passionately. She was baptized in the Church of God an Christ at an early age. In her adult years she made her church home Family Bible Fellowship. Her spirituality was a part of her everyday life. She loved the Lord and it showed in all that she did and accomplished in her short life.

Bernice was preceded into glory by her parents, Burnice and Almeta McCalister; three brothers, Cecil McCalister, Vannoy McCalister, Robert McCalister; and one sister, Annie Mae Edwards.

On Friday evening, July 12, 2013 God whispered peace to Bernice Whitman and took her home for eternal rest. Affected and impacted by her great love Bernice leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Leonard Whitman Jr. III and Stanley Eugene Whitman (Beverly). Husband, Leonard Whitman Jr. II, three grandchildren; Jonathan (Sheila), Justin and Jessica Whitman. One great grandson Jase. Two brothers, Willie D. McCalister and Elvin McCalister (Ella Marie), both of Oklahoma City; sister in-laws; Pat, Raphelia, Marion and Larue; brother-in-laws; Loniel, Seth and Joseph, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.