Born May 19, 1937 in Memphis, TN, to Burnie Dial and Edith Mae Brisco Dial, Bernice was the fourth of six children. Her siblings included Bernard (Vernon) Lee, Martha Pauline, Benjamin Franklin, William (Buddy), and Freda Jean Dial. Bernice, like all her siblings, was born at home.
Bernice attended East High School and Humes High School. In 1962, she met Marshall David Eley at Standard Parts (later NAPA). After a brief courtship, they married on September 21, 1962, and remained so until his passing in 2021.
Bernice was a devoted homemaker who cherished her family. She is survived by her three daughters: Deborah Joyce Ashcraft Lockwood of Savannah, TN, Rebecca Lynn Ashcraft Robinson (Jeff) of Baton Rouge, LA, and Leslie Lee Eley of Bartlett, TN. Through marriage, Bernice gained a beloved sister-in-law, Julia Stephanie Eley Hover (Reed) of Memphis, TN.
Bernice showered love on her many grandchildren: Michael Shawn Roberts, Jeffery David Edwards (Habeeb), the late Andrea Michelle Robinson Scott, Lacey Dawn Roberts Thompson (Clifton), Eley Hunter Lewis, Conrad Dane Lewis, and Madelyn Elise Lumpkin. Her great-grandchildren include Coleman Thompson (Monica), Haley Michelle Edwards, Brooke Thompson, Zachary Thompson, Ryker Thompson, and great-great-granddaughter Katherine Lillianna Thompson. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.
Beyond family, Bernice had a strong connection to the Memphis Fire Department. Both her father, Burnie Dial, and husband, M.D. Eley, were firefighters. Bernice actively participated in the FDIC ladies group, welcoming and entertaining visiting firefighters' wives during their national convention in Memphis. She also enjoyed showing them Graceland and other city landmarks.
For many years, Bernice assisted her husband in running their family business, A-Aaron Moving Company. A gracious hostess, she loved entertaining in their home and dancing at fire department functions. Bernice also treasured spending time outdoors, especially at the Hatchie River Bottoms with her husband and family.
A petite woman brimming with love, spirit, and a champion for the underdog, Bernice lived a full and joyous life.
We Love you Mama,
Our lives are Forever Changed💙
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 3700 n. Germantown Parkway Bartlett, TN 38133 from 1:00pm to 2:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place after the Funeral Service at Hernando Memorial Park Cemetery, 2805 Magnolia Dr., Hernando, MS 38632.
