Olla Bernice Alston, lovingly known as Bernice, was born on September 26, 1943, to Olla Mamie Bynum Alston and George Felton Alston in Chatham Co, North Carolina (N.C).

At an early age, Bernice accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She began her spiritual journey at Robert's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in N.C. She faithfully worshipped there until relocating to New York City. She relocated to New York in 1961 after she graduated from J.S. Waters High School-Goldston, N.C.

There, she became a devoted member of Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, where she remained dedicated throughout her life.

A faithful servant of God, Bernice was an active and committed member of Convent Avenue Baptist Church. When Bernice could, she generously devoted her time, talents, and energy to her church family and found great fulfillment in serving others through her faith.

One of her favorite sayings was “I am Blessed”.

She married Walter Davis on March 30, 1967. They moved to Esplanade Gardens in 1967. Thereafter, she gave birth to her one and only child, Lisa Davis on June 3, 1969. Her greatest blessing came with the birth of her beloved daughter, Lisa, who remained the pride and joy of her life.

Subsequent to that marriage, Bernice married Reverend George Lyons, Jr. on December 25, 1981. They met in 1972.

For the majority of her professional career, Bernice worked in the New York Health Department becoming a Dental Hygienist assisting and teaching children the importance of having good dental health until her retirement. She retired earlier than expected due to Multiple Sclerosis. Nevertheless, she took pride in this field before and during her retirement. During her employment, she strived to allow poor and low middle class children access to have braces.

Bernice treasured the friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She and her dear friends shared countless memories, milestones, and adventures, remaining closely connected through the years. Their bonds of friendship brought her immeasurable joy and support.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents: Olla Mamie Bynum Alston and George Felton Alston and her siblings: Corrine France Rieves, Emily Jane Morgan, Dorthia Ann Jackson-Jones, Paulette Esther Daye, Hazy Granville Alston, Frederick MacArthur, David Spencer Alston, Frank Dobson Alston and Lewis Clinton "Sunny" Alston.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Reverend George Lyons; her devoted daughter, Lisa Davis; brother, James Nicholas Alston; sister, Debra Faye Paige, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members, treasured friends, church family, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, faith, and love.

Bernice's legacy of faith, devotion, friendship, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.