Bernice Bradshaw

The Legacy of Bernice Agatha Bradshaw For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. I Thessalonians 4:14 Our beloved Bernice Agatha Bradshaw was called home April 10, 2013 and granted her angel wings. She was born May 7, 1963 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to James and Etta Primus. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Jenice Jusilla Richards in December 2011. A famous writer once said we make a living by what we get and we make a life by what we give. It is true then that Bernice Bradshaw made a great life. She was one of the most giving persons I’ve ever known and I am sure most of you will agree. Bernice fondly reference to back home as; Sharon or Ms. B was born Bernice Bradshaw Primus on May 7, 1963 in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She was the first of five children for James and Etta Primus. She grew up with her other sibling Joel, Everd, Denise and Jacqueline in Southwood, Fairhall. Bernice’s mom remembers her as a good leader and a responsible and reliable young woman who enjoyed house work especially cooking. She was devoted to church and became a Sunday school teacher at an early age. Bernice attended Belmont Government school and furthered her education by completing administrative training. She began her career at the St. Vincent Marketing Board as a Staff Accountant. She met Jeffrey Richards and their union produced three children, Dwyane, Jenice (deceased) and Brandon. She was further blessed with two grandchildren Malique and Maliky. Her family was by far the most important part of her life. Bernice migrated to the USA in 1995 and lived in New York for approximately ten years. During that time she impacted the lives of many young children as she worked with their parents providing structure and guidance, where she gained their love and respect. In 2005, Bernice moved to Richmond, Virginia. There she blended into the community immediately, especially being in close proximity to Woodville Elementary School. Bernice became a permanent volunteer and earned the “Volunteer of the Year Award” twice. She was loved and appreciated by the students and staff and formed a lasting relationship with Ms. Crosswhite. She also became involved BSA 414, there she assisted the scout leaders in planning events. Bernice participated in many troop activities such as camping, fund raising, making crafts and any activity where cooking was involved. She was also the secretary of the Richmond PTA for several years and her service and input was invaluable. At the end of her tenure she was recognized and given an award of appreciation. After moving to Henrico about six years ago Bernice’s compassion and care for the elderly was evident. She was always proactively seeking out people in need and offering to assist in any way she can. She developed a very special friendship with Ms Irma. She took Ms. Irma to all her doctor’s appointment, she would do all her errands with her, any complicated forms, people billing her twice, she never had to worry, Bernice would go get her glasses, she knew Bernice would take care of it for her. Everyone assumed they were mother and daughter – Bernice became a part of Ms. Irma’s family. When I think of Bernice hobbies, cooking was by far her favorite thing to do, she loved to cook! I know that many of us here can attest to her mastery of that skill. Bernice had the ability to make a gourmet meal from anything. The boys had a place for lunch, once they were in her area, and the college kids had their second mom’s ear and dinner whenever they needed it. She also enjoyed the outdoors and was a very fun loving person. She was indeed the life of any party. Bernice got invited to every event, we all wanted to make sure she was coming to the party. She was always ready to jump in front of the stove or grill, and show the mopey folks how to enjoy life. She was an avid reader; she was elated when Jenice bought her her first kindle. “B” enjoyed gardening and an occasional good movie. In the summer, when you could not find her, she was in the pool along with all the children. You didn’t have to worry, if you had to work, no problem, “B” had the kids. They always wanted to know is if they could hang with Auntie Bernice tomorrow. The summers will not be the same without her. Above all, Bernice believed in giving herself. An unknown author wrote: You have to give before you get. You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest. The more you sow, the more you’ll reap. In giving to others, you’ll find yourself blessed. Bernice was indeed blessed. Her life came full circle. She started in the church and she ended in the church. About 6 months ago she felt the need to return to church and revitalize her faith. Her spirit was renewed and she began to receive the strength to overcome the enormous loss of her own daughter Jenice. Those days were hard; it was all roads leading to Alma lane for Shorty or Gracie, because she had to see her Baby girl. The foundation that was built in church those many years ago and the renewal now, it was an important teaching tool for her children, provide a working example of strength in times of adversity especial to her youngest Brandon. On April 10, 2013, God looked down on earth and saw her loving face, he put his arms around her and took her to a resting place. Bernice touched the life of so many people, she kept in touch, with her family and friends in FL, NY, SVG, Booge got a gold star for introducing her to Whatsapp. She left us precious memories; her love will be our guide. She lives on through her children; she is always by our side. Bernice will be missed by all who knew her. To mourn her loss are two loving sons, Dwayne and Brandon and surviving father, Jeffery Richards and his family; grandchildren, Malique Primus and Maliky Bascombe; devoted parents, James and Etta Primus; two sisters, Denise and Jacqueline; two brothers, Everd and Joel; a very dear and devoted friend, Elgar Davis; her special friends, Grace Dougan, Desiere Taylor, Sam Edwards and Irma Woolridge; and a host of other relatives and countless friends. Bernice thank you for being a part of our lives. Still Missing You They say there is a reason; they say that time will heal, but neither time nor reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles. No one knows how many times we have broken down and cried. We want to tell you something so there won’t be any doubt. You’re so wonderful to think of, so hard to be without. We cannot bring the old days back when we were all together. The family chain is broken now but memories live forever.

Tributes

Bernice Bradshaw

May 7, 1963 - April 10, 2013