Bernice Bates
Jul 26, 1932 — Oct 12, 2026

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Bernice Bates

Bernice Bates left this world after 94 years to enter the portals of glory! Her relationship with God and family was foundational to her life. She faithfully spent time in her prayer closet, lifting the names and needs of family and friends before the Lord. Her familiar question, "How do you want me to pray?" reflected her genuine concern for others and her commitment to prayer.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, to Robert and Sarah Bryant, Bernice was the eighth of ten children and grew up in the historic Church Hill community. Following her father's passing when she was seven, her mother, affectionately known as "Big Ma," raised their large family, instilling the values of responsibility, discipline, resourcefulness, and learning how to "do a lot with a little.

" Bernice graduated from Armstrong High School during the era of racial segregation. She later moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to live with her Aunt Gertrude and pursue nursing education, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Bernice married Frederick Douglas Rochester, an accomplished musician and graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Karen and René. After four years of marriage, Frederick passed away at age 25, leaving Bernice to raise their young daughters. Five years later, she married Willie Bates, and they welcomed her youngest daughter, Patricia. After six years of marriage, Bernice again experienced widowhood.

Despite these challenges, Bernice worked full-time, raised her three daughters, and continued her education through Massasoit Community College, eventually becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). She served at Children's Hospital of Boston and Norfolk County Hospital in Braintree, Massachusetts, before concluding her career in geriatric nursing with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She also shared her knowledge by tutoring aspiring nursing students.

As a mother, Bernice was determined to raise Karen, René, and Patricia to become women of dignity who valued education, responsibility, and family unity. Strong-willed, opinionated, and meticulous, she held high expectations and remained deeply committed to keeping her family connected.

As the family matriarch, Bernice cherished gathering around her kitchen table, sharing stories of her childhood, preserving family history, and listening to the experiences of others.

Following retirement, Bernice relocated from Brockton, Massachusetts, to Nashville, Tennessee, with her youngest daughter, to be closer to family. She continued enjoying Bible study with her daughters, attending church and women's conferences, tutoring Aaron, and driving him to and from school. She also enjoyed breakfast outings at Eggstravaganza and spending time with loved ones.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sarah Bryant; her husbands, Frederick Douglas Rochester and Willie Bates; and her siblings, Helen, Alease, Joseph, Robert, Grace, Frank, and Elvira.

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Yah Yah "John" Muhammad, and her sister, Catherine Essex; her daughter, Karen Love, son-in-law, Michael Love, daughters Dr. René Rochester, and Patricia Bates; her grandchildren, Isaac Love, Frederick Love, granddaughter-in- law, Erica Love, and Aaron Bates; and great-grandson, Khamel Love. She is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Perhaps two places best reflect the heart of Bernice's life: her prayer closet and her kitchen table. One reflected her devotion to God, and the other her devotion to family.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Visitation:

Thursday, October 22, 2026

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)

Funeral Service:

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

Bethel World Outreach Church

5670 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN

Interment:

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Starts at 3:00 pm (Central time)

Williamson Memorial Gardens

3009 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064