Bernice Junikon

Bernice Junikon was born in Winona, Mississippi to Albert Ervin Robinson and Mary Jane Hamer Robinson on September 6, 1932. Bernice was the seventh child of ten children. At the age of four, Bernice and her family were part of the Great Migration and moved north to East Chicago, Indiana which became her long-term home. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Bernice attended East Chicago public schools where she met Robert L. Junikon. At the age of 20 they were married, and to this union June, Jewell, and Judy were born. She later married James Ransom and to this union Jerelyn was born. Throughout her years, Bernice remained fiercely dedicated to her family, work, and to the church. She sang in the choir, served as the church secretary, was president of the choir, was a member of the usher board, and became a church mother.

Bernice was the youngest person to have ever been elected secretary of the Indiana State Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Unit Congress. She worked at Lake County Assessor office. After her childhood church, Bernice became a member of New Revelation Baptist Church and Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, and later in life New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Houston, TX.

Bernice had several artistic talents as well. She was often called upon to create signs for special events. She would create these beautiful, ornate signs by hand. Bernice also wrote a number of Christian plays. Some of her more popular plays included “Are you ready”, “God Can, God Will, He will fix it for you” and “How I Got Over”. How I Got Over was played at several other area churches and venues.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents Albert Ervin and Mary Jane Robinson, Her husband’s James Edgar Ransom and Robert L. Junikon, her Daughters Judy E Junikon, Jewell E. Junikon-Cistrunk, and June E. Junikon - Huggins; her grandson Deon Robert Blake; her siblings: Christine Ross, Ruth Washington, Edna Cook, Evelyn Jones, Irene Mitchell, Carter, William, Edward and King Robinson.

Bernice is survived by her daughter Jerelyn E. (Robert) Melvin of Houston TX, Son In Law Steven Huggins New Albany, IN, Grandchildren Jason (Katie) Huggins, New Albany In, Dr. Jihan (Kenneth)

Mayfield of Fishers, IN, Jessica (Donmonique) Holt Louisville KY, Daralyn Sims, Christopher Melvin and Darius Melvin and Jackie Robertson of Houston TX. Great-grandchildren: Deon Blake, Jaelynn Huggins, Ayden Huggins, Jenay Huggins, Journey Huggins, Genesis Mayfield, Abel Mayfield, Asher Mayfield, and Amal Mayfield.

Everyone acquainted with Bernice knew that she had a sweet spirit and had a very upstanding character. Her infectious laugh and beautiful smile were contagious. Bernice did everything with a spirit of excellence. She was a great example to all around her, and we are comforted in knowing that she is resting in the presence of the Lord. Well done Bernice!