Bernice McCall

life, Scott McCall on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023.

She was born on May 29, 1927 in Walnut, Mississippi. She grew up on a farm and at age 17

she graduated Valedictorian of her class at Walnut High School. She attended Hinds Junior

College in Mississippi and was employed at General Electric in Jackson. She moved to

Jacksonville, Florida in 1948 and became employed art Southern Bell Telephone Company

where she worked for nine years. She was in District Engineers when she left the Company.

In June 1955 her step daughter, Lynell Carter persuaded her to bring her two children, Charles

and Suzanne Townsend, to Beaver Street Baptist Church on “Children’s Day.” Dr. Art Wilson

was the guest minister. Bernice’s life changed that day. She accepted Jesus Christ as her

personal Savior. She soon became active in the Children’s Church and Educational

Coordinator of the Pre-School Division. She was also well known for her work at Shady Grove

Youth Camp as well as other youth camps in other states.

In November 1967 she enrolled in Weight Watchers. The weight she had gained was from

inactivity while recuperating from third degree burns. After losing weight, she became employed

with Weight Watchers and was with the Company 27 1/2 years. She held several positions in

those years, clerk, Lecturer, Training Director and area Coordinator of 50 counties in South

Georgia and Northeast Florida.

She married Scott McCall who was her Daughter, Suzanne’s Choral Director in 1972 and her

wonderful boss, Madeliene Miller Pineta, made it possible for Scott to travel with her during the

week. On weekends, Scott, a gifted musician, and Bernice played music engagements in

Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Bernice played rytrhym guitar.

She and Scott retired in 1995 and traveled to all but four US states and many foreign

countries. She loved fishing, gardening, cruising and traveling.

Bernice was an active member of First Coast Baptist Church on Blanding Blvd. and group

leader in Victory Bible Class. She will always be remembered by many as a special person with

many talents and a sweet spirit and beautiful smile.