Bernice (Adams) Kelley

I am very happy for you, that before our father of time reached down from Heaven and extinguished your beautiful flame of life, you looked at your loved ones, so they might see you. You talked to them, so they might hear you. You embraced them, so they might feel you. But most important of all, you loved them, so they might miss you. We do and forever will. In our marriage vows, we said to each other “till death do us part”, but I realized this day, I lied, for even after death we will never ever part. Rest in Peace my love, until we reunite again.

My Love is yours forever! Louis Sr.

Bernice was a strong, educated, and business minded woman. She was very ambitious and never let anyone or anything stop her from accomplishing her goals. Bernice was outspoken, strong minded, strong willed and was a body full of knowledge. She worked hard, but she loved and supported her family even harder. Bernice also loved to travel to different destinations.

Bernice was born on September 26, 1949 in Drew, Mississippi to the union of Covell Adams and Ethel Mae (Fullilove) Adams . She was the oldest of seven children.

Bernice accepted Christ at a young age at Greater Metropolitan Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor L.W. Craig, Chicago Illinois and attended the Church Without Walls when she arrived in Texas until she was no longer able to do so due to her illness.

Bernice graduated from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1991. She graduated from Governors State University with a Master’s of Arts in Education in 1996, and she obtained another degree from Governors State University with a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration in 1998.

Bernice always excelled in her career. She worked at Illinois Bell. She was also Chief Finance Officer at Harris Bank before her transition as an Educator and Dept. Head. After her retirement as an educator, she became a business owner of Community Career Connection where she continued her passion to educate and assist others.

On March 30, 1974, she married her loving husband Louis Edward Kelley Sr.

Bernice was preceded in death by her father Covell Adams and sister Loyce Mae Adams.

Bernice was survived by her husband, Louis Edward Kelley Sr.; sons Louis Edward Kelley II (Tameka) and Nicholas Dwayne Kelley; mother, Ethel Mae Adams; brothers, Edward Lee Adams,Covell Adams Jr., Michael Adams (Kimberly); sisters, Annette Canady and Aretha Armstrong (Clarence); 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and devoted friends, who loved her dearly.

You’re my first born and you’ll always be my baby. You are a beautiful memory, dearer than gold, of a daughter whose worth can never be told. I will miss our daily talks on the phone. Although we were long distanced, our hearts still connected. I’ll miss your laughter, generosity, and your knowledge for just about everything. You were so brave. You fought hard during every hardship and never gave up. God always saw you through and He has set you free. Although it’s hard to accept, I know God knew best when he called you home. My heart misses you dearly, but I will remain encouraged knowing that you are in heaven waiting to see me again someday. “I have fought the good fight I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Rest in God My Loving Daughter.

~Love you forever and ever. Mother

May the winds of Heaven blow softly

And whisper in your ear

How much we love and miss you

And wish that you were here.

~Love, your Brothers

As you close your eyes in rest,

May all your pain and troubles be lost forever.

May you find paradise and a world of eternal life.

We love and miss you Auntie.

Always in our hearts. ~Love, Your Nieces

We think about you always.

We talk about you still.

You have never been forgotten and you never will.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain

To walk and guide us through our lives,

Until we meet again.

We love and miss you Auntie. ~Love, Your Nephews

I thought I saw her face today

In the sparkle of the morning sun.

And then I heard the angel say,

“Her work on earth is done.”

~Love your niece, Shiwana Adams

You played an excellent role as a big sister throughout our lives. You taught us so much; not just with your words, but with your life. We watched how you persevered with every hardship. You taught us the same to accomplish our goals in life and one of the fun parts was that you taught us how to decorate our homes!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Big sister you are a great inspiration and warrior. We will see you again, love you, and miss you!

~Your Sisters, Annette and Aretha

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Kelley family.