Born on February 9, 1944, in Wirt County, West Virginia, Bernice was the daughter of the late James Thomas Valentine and Juanita Brady Valentine.
Bernice was a dedicated homemaker who found joy and purpose in caring for her family and home. Her kitchen was the heart of her house, and she delighted in cooking meals for her loved ones. Whether it was a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, her food was always made with love. She had a special gift for creating comforting meals that brought everyone together around the table.
Her passion for cooking extended beyond her home, as she also took pride in her vegetable garden. Every year, Bill and Bernice grew a bountiful garden, sharing the fruits of their labor with family and friends. She lovingly canned the extra produce to ensure that her family could enjoy the fresh taste of her harvest throughout the winter months.
Bernice was a woman who loved to give, and her home was always open to those in need of warmth, comfort, or a good meal. She had a heart for hospitality and cherished the time spent with family and friends.
She was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church; Bernice’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. In her later years, she found comfort in watching Pastor Jonathan on television every Sunday, allowing her to remain connected.
Bernice is survived by her two daughters, Tammy Wright (John) and Rachel Kubik (Bobby); two sons, David Crawford (Eva) and William “Little Bill” Crawford, II (DeeDee); five grandchildren, David Crawford, Jr., Michael Crawford, Allyson Cremeans, Dillon Wright, and McKayla Grimshaw (Josh); as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Bernice’s love for her family, her dedication to making a house a home, and her generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of warmth, kindness, and nourishing love will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A service celebrating her life and faith will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and Pastor Dwayne Carson. A private interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery in Amherst.
The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers or food, the family kindly asks that you honor Bernice's memory by sharing a meal with your loved ones, just as she so often did, with love and care.
