Bernice Kelly

Bernice Beatrice Bennett Kelly was born February 7, 1929 in Camaguey, Cuba to the parents of Aaron S. Bennett and Lillian Maude Levy Bennett. Bernice was one of nine children and the youngest daughter. Shortly thereafter the family relocated to Jamaica, West Indies where Bernice was raised. She was dedicated as a child to the mission of the Salvation Army May 8, 1929 by her parents. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a young woman.

Bernice Bennett met and married Arthur James Kelly in Spanish Town, Jamaica in 1954. The couple emigrated to the United States and resided in Chicago, Illinois. To this union was born Denise Yvonne Kelly and Grace Patricia Kelly. The family then relocated to New York City in 1959. Later to this union the couple was blessed with an additional daughter Toya Angelique Kelly.

Bernice Kelly was a pastor’s wife, a devoted mother, talented homemaker and gifted cook. She graduated from the Orchid School of Beauty Culture on June 25th, 1961 where she mastered the art of Cosmetology. She later obtained her certificate of training as a nurse’s aide in 1974 from New York City Health and Hospital Corporation and was employed at Byrd S. Coler memorial hospital until her retirement in 1986. In 1980 she obtained her high school equivalency diploma from the University of the State of New York Education Department.

In 1988 Bernice Kelly relocated from New York City to Meridian, MS. She resided with her daughters Denise and Grace where she played a fundamental and integral role in the rearing and raising of her 5 grandchildren. She was greatly loved and revered by them all.

She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Meridian until her departure from this life.

Bernice was a warm, caring generous and very family oriented person. Yet many young people in the community flocked to her for her guidance, listening ear and wisdom. She was affectionately referred to as “Gerber” by her grandchildren.

One Early Sunday Morning September 12, 2010, she departed this life and was welcomed into the loving arms of God our Father where she now reaps her reward. The pain of illness and the tears of suffering are no more. She has left a legacy of strength and perseverance, faith, love, and determination for all who know and love her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Aaron and Lillian Bennett and brothers, Cecil, Alphonson, Ivan, Winston and Reginald Bennett. She leaves to cherish her memory two sisters Elecia Cox and Gay Bennett of Miami, Fl. One brother Atlee Bennett (Barbara Bennett) of the Bronx, New York. As well as, her three daughters Denise Kelly Hawkins (Bo Gary Hawkins) of Collinsville, Mississippi, Grace Kelly-Evans (Jerome Evans) of Collinsville, Mississippi, Toya Angelique Kelly of the Bronx, New York.

Her grandchildren Christopher Marc Kelly Powell, Benjamin Sean Kelly Powell, Kelly Vanessa Nelson, Jeremy Michael Kelly Evans, Jonathan (JoJo) Frank Kelly Evans and Mitzi Channel and a multitude of nieces, nephews and loved ones.