Bernice was born October 22, 1933 in Newsoms, VA to the late Melton and Lennie Barnes Mayfield and came to Brooklyn, NY at 2 years old. Bernice graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School and attended Brooklyn College.
She was a pioneer and a first: A professional model with one of the first black modeling agencies, “The Grace Del Marco Agency”. In Queens, NY Bernice founded and established one of the first black modeling schools, “The New Youth”, for young black girls. She was one of the first Black receptionists in the advertising industry, one of the first black administrative assistants at the advertising agency Olgivy & Mather. Later Bernice was the manager at Gerald’s Jazz Club in Queens, NY; some years after she then managed Sutton's Jazz Club in Harlem, NY. During this time she was granted the opportunity to manage and revive an active career for the great Jazz Vocalist Gloria Lynne.
After completing these careers and in some years Bernice moved to Atlanta, GA and became an exceptional building manager and events and wedding planner.
Most importantly she was a loving mother, daughter and sister. Her creative, intelligent and caring spirit enabled her to be a tremendous friend to all that cared and loved her. An abundance of generosity.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Mayfield Surgeon; and nephews, Michael Mayfield, James D. Mayfield and Wendell Mayfield.
Bernice is survived by her son, Edward B. Mia, Jr. of Kendall Park, NJ; brothers, Melvin Mayfield of Fort Mill, SC; James Mayfield and his wife, Joyce of Fuquay-Varina, NC and David Mayfield of Charlotte, NC and nieces and nephews.
A Viewing and Funeral Service will be held April 2, 2015 at Apex Funeral Home Chapel, 550 W. Williams St, Apex, NC 27502. Eleven, AM viewing and Twelve, PM service.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Make A Wish Foundation and Transitions LifeCare.
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