Obituary of Bernice Lavender

Life Story

Bernice (Thompson) Lavender received her crown in glory on Sunday, February 19, 2023, in her Kalamazoo, Michigan home.  Above all, the most important aspect you ever need and want to know about Bernice is that she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior!

Bernice was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 8, 1928, to Richard and Lena (Gaither) Thompson (affectionately known by their family as Dooley and Honey). She was the second eldest of six children (Charles, William, Ernest, Lena Mae (Washington), and Richard; all of whom preceded her to their eternal rest.

Bernice was among the 1946 graduating class of Central High School, Cleveland, Ohio.  She married the late Reverend James Edward Lavender on November 29, 1947, and from this union were born four children, Rochelle of Columbia South Carolina, Aaron (Ledora) of Houston Texas, Kevin (Maryann) of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Duane (Veronica) of Cleveland, Ohio.  

Bernice was a life-long learner.  During the 60s when the government opened employment and skill trades training opportunities for people of color, Bernice seized that moment by completing her Licensed Practical Nursing certification from Jane Addams Practical Nursing School.  She began her nursing career at Mt. Sinai Hospital, and later became employed in pediatrics where she worked for 18 years, at which time she transitioned to senior care until her 1993 retirement.  

Bernice’s zeal for the Lord was fueled by her learning and yearning to become a disciple for Christ through the Baptist School of the Bible where she attended during 1964 -1966. Being born-again inspired an Acts 16 experience in her as she enthusiastically began to evangelize her entire family.  May 17, 1983, Bernice graduated from Baptist Bible Institute with a diploma in the Master of Bible Course.   Today, four generations of her family and countless others (among which are neighbors, coworkers, extended family, and friends) have found their eternal security because of her devotion to share the Good News of the Gospel and leading them to a saving knowledge in Jesus.

Salvation in Christ and serving Christ is how she lived her life.  In addition to serving her family, Bernice served through the ministry of the Community Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Richard C. Mattox and his successor, the late Reverend Dr. Warren R. Mattox where Bernice was a member for more than five decades.  She was a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, Camp Director, Youth Missions Director, a member of the Comfort and Care ministry, and Women’s Ministry.  Bernice served as Bible teacher through the Cleveland City Mission as well as a keynote speaker on numerous occasions and in different cities.  She loved to sing hymns and did so with a melodious voice.

Retired years refueled her zeal as Bernice developed a mobile discipleship class that traveled to the cities where all her children lived.  During her visits, she made Bible study and discipleship appointments with her grands, great grands, and the women in her family.  In 2013, Bernice made Kalamazoo, Michigan her home where she became a member of the Bible Baptist Church pastored by the Reverend Kevin J. Lavender, Sr.  Under this ministry, Bernice continued to exercise her spiritual gift of encouragement through a comfort and care ministry mailing cards for the sick, shut-in and recognizing special occasions.  Bible study and discipleship remained her mantra - 3 John 1:4 powered Bernice’s great joy to hear her children, her children’s children and beyond walk in the truth of God’s word!

Throughout her life, leisure times were filled with fun and laughter.  Bernice was a highly competitive card and table game player with Uno among her favorites.  She totally loved watching college football and basketball.    

Continuing the celebration of her legacy along with her children are 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 great, great, grandchild, two sisters-in-love, Edna Jane and Sarah Thompson, a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends!