In Rome, Georgia on February 22, 1948, God placed Evelyn Bernice Iona Murphy-Smith, on earth to be a beacon of His love. She was true to this purpose until her crown was awarded on May 24, 2022.
Affectionately known as โMama Bernโ to many, Bernice had a spirit of kindness and giving that couldnโt be explained, but rather experienced. Bernice had a way of caring that always left you feeling special and loved.
As a 30+ year retiree of Rome Transit Department, she used the bus as a vehicle to meet, minister and serve others. She made it a priority to learn everyoneโs names and a little bit about them. She often shared a laugh, a memory or a tear with her passengers who ultimately became our extended family.
Her eternal spirit lives on strong through the unbreakable bonds she shares with her children Bernita Smith, Marci (Jay) Armstrong; godson Michael Everhart; grandchildren Nadia Smith, Grey Armstrong, Avery Smith, and Clarke Armstrong; brother Charles (June) Murphy; niece/sister, Kathy Thomas; nephew/brother Gary Smith, and sister/cousin Delores Aker; and an entire tribe of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
To be in Bernice's inner circle was amazing. To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her was a blessing.
The Family invites you to join them Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 6 pm until 7 pm at F. K. Jones Funeral Home in Peek Chapel to share your fondest memories of Bernice.
Graveside Services for Ms. Evelyn Bernice Smith will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 11 am at Eastview Cemetery
Please keep the family in your prayers.
Phyllis Lee sent The Peace Lily for Ms. Evelyn Bernice Smith - May 30, 2022
My deepest condolences for your loss. My continued prayers for you, Bernita and the family. Love you-
Phyllis Lee
Tiffany Few sent Everlasting Embrace Bouquet for Ms. Evelyn Bernice Smith - May 29, 2022
Wishing you Peace and Comfort and our Deepest Condolences Love, the Few Family
Sympathy Spray was sent for Ms. Evelyn Bernice Smith - May 27, 2022
Phyllis Ivery planted 5 trees in memory of Ms. Evelyn Bernice Smith . - June 01, 2022
to my dear sister i will love and miss you always we had some good times together and i know one day me you scotty pat and betty will have lots more may god keep you in his arms until we meet again . roy roaderick and family
May the Almighty God grant strength and comfort to the family during this difficult time. Remember all the good times you shared with your loved one and thank God for the memories. ๐๐บ Battle and Nelson Families
Love ๐ you sweet lady... Bernita and Marci my condolences on your mom's home going. She will truly be missed.๐๐๐๐๏ธ
To the family of one of the sweetest lady I know. Prayers for you.
Odell and Jean Battle
Love you Aunt Bernice until we meet agian Tiara & Genesis
Ms.Bernice, I did not know you as other have,I want to say: God has call you home,It's now your time to get your WINGS....You leave this EATH behind you, WHEN you heard your name call to you from God,as you answered the role call,,You knew then you was FREE with the๐'s as they sing with others family so peacefully. We shall see you in that great getting up morning with our Lord and Savior.... Letha &Luther Johnson/family๐redr4c
From someone that was fortunate enough to have grown up on Blossom Hill and enjoyed your friendship, it's with great sadness that we say good-bye to a dear friend and extended family member. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers.Thanx for the memories. Jerry & Elli Mitchell
From someone that was fortunate enough to have grown up on Blossom Hill and enjoyed your friendship, it's with great sadness that we say good-bye to a dear friend and extended family member. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers.Thanx for the memories. Jerry & Elli Mitchell
All my Heartfelt Condolences to my Cousins Bernita & Marcie and the rest of the Family. Aunt Bernice your kind words and spiritual guidance to to me all my life will be truly missed. Love Eternally your Nephew Darryl Murphy And Family.
Bernita and family, I pray for peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Mama Bernice will be missed. Rosie Walker
We send our heartfelt condolences to the family .praying for comfort to this family's hearts ..just know that God is a comforter..Rome Colored Main High School Reunion Committee ..Cecelia Abbott Chairperson..
What a beautiful person always with a beautiful smile and kind words. Love ๐ you Mrs Bernice. R.I.H. My Condolences To the Family. Donna Scott and family.
Marcie, Bernita & Smith/Murphy Family & Friends of Main High School and Thankful Baptist Church- It is with deep sadness & much love that I express our condolences for the loss of a truly sweet & beautiful soul. During our time at Main and as former neighbors in the North Rome community. Bernice was soft spoken, very sweet and always kind. Praying God's strength, comfort and peace to the entire family and tremendous circle of friends who loved her. Keep the precious memories close to heart. God is with you. Blessings & Love, Charlotte Z Thomas, Depelsha & Family - NYC
Our sincere condolences to Bernita, Marcie and family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. ~~Annie and Danny Wells๐๐ฝโค๏ธ
Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort and strength your family in this time of loss. Love you all Lelia Gibson Shoemaker
My prayers and condolences to the family of this beautiful lady. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Beverly Stevenson, Rome Ga
My condolences to the family!
Bernita, Marcia and family: As It Is WRITTEN, Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for Our Father, God...So thankful, In the Name of of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen." We stand with you, virtually, during your season of sorrow in the home going of your dear mother, Berniece. We would be remiss should we not revel your honorable, compassionate and protective caregiving. "To God we give the Glory for His Mighty Works on your behalf!!! Love, Patricia Turner Buford, Daryl, Stephanie & Family.
With love and prayers for you Bernita, and your family, love Brandy,Marcus,Jaxson,& last but not least, Raegan.... She sends you all big hugs.
Aww I'm miss her so much. She was my bus driver for HEAD START.. My Thankful Baptist Church favorite Lady.. โค๏ธโค๏ธ๐ข๐ข -Latasha Harris & Family
rsummerlin and family sends condolence to the family.shewas my step moms first cousin. use to cut her grass.
My thoughts. Prayers, and deepest, heartfelt condolences go to Bernita, Marcie, Charles and the entire family in the loss of your loved one. We met in the 3rd Grade at Main Elementary, and she introduced herself as Bernice, so that's what she always was to me. We got back in touch with each other a few years ago and picked our friendship back up. I will miss our phone chats and text messages.You earned your wings, so fly high with the angels. No more oxygen to drag around. Rest easily in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. You will definitely be missed.
Sincerely, Cheney R Aycock
Praying for you Bernita and Marcie. We have great memories of Ms. Bernice! She will be missed. Love y'all! Shun Creamer
Ms.Bernice was our bus driver for many years. A strong woman of faith who exemplifies the Proverbs 31 lady. Very sweet,loving,caring,and outgoing lady. My condolences and prayers to Bernita,Marcia and family. I graduated from ERHS C/O 87 with Bernita. This beautiful lady will truly be missed in the community.๐๐๐๐
Ms.Bernice was our bus driver for many years. A strong woman of faith who exemplifies the Proverbs 31 lady. Very sweet,loving,caring,and outgoing lady. My condolences and prayers to Bernita,Marcia and family. I graduated from ERHS C/O 87 with Bernita. This beautiful lady will truly be missed in the community.๐๐๐๐
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.