Bernice Lynn

On April 27, 1922, Bernice Washington Lynn was born in Greenswood, South Carolina to the late Tennie Davis and John Washinton. Bernice, their only child, became the pride and joy of her mother. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Bernice attended and later graduated in 1941 from Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore. While at Douglass, she was active in many school activities. It was while at Douglass that she began her love of reading. She continued to read constantly until the last three weeks of her life. Her friends and family often found her with a book in her hands and story to tell. In 1950, Bernice married Abraham “Abe” W. Lynn. Bernice and Abe celebrated their 52nd anniversary on July 1, 2002, while she was hospitalized at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Abe was a devoted husband and father. During their fifty-two years together, Bernice and Abe became inseparable. Bernice and Ave complimented each other, they served Christ together, they cared for their daughters together, they cared for their families and friends together, they played together-but most of all they loved each other. Anyone who knew Bernice knew about her “Peaches” (Sharon) and her “Donnie” (Donna). When she spoke about her daughters, her entire face would beam with pride. The care of her daughters was always foremost with Bernice. Loving them was never a duty to her-it was what motivated her to be the best mother possible. She watched them grow—she watched them develop into adulthood and motherhood. Their sorrows were her sorrows and their joys were her joys. Bernice’s family and friends knew her as a sensitive, caring, compassionate, and completely selfless individual. Her love for life permitted her to embrace all of those around her. She brought joy to all that knew her-she gave support and love to everyone. Over the years, she received many awards and certificates. A few of the many awards given to her were: certificates of appreciation for judging dramatic readings at local schools in Baltimore City; awards of appreciation from Emmanuel Christian Community Church; certificates of appreciation to the Progressive Workers by the Vacation Bible School; an official citation of recognition from the Delegate of the 40th Legislative District; and a Governor’s Citation from William Donald Schaefer in recognition of eleven years of outstanding service to the citizens of the State of Maryland. Bernice was an active member of her church, Emmanuel Christian Community Church, for approximately fifty years. Bernice’s faith and love of God was evident in every aspect of her life. She worked with the Vacation Bible School and the Progressive Workers in her church. Bernice’s and Abe’s faith and love of God encouraged them during Bernice’s illness. Bernice held several jobs during her lifetime. She worked at Glenn L. Martin, Westinghouse and Morgan State University. Bernice worked at Morgan State University for 11 years before she retired in 1983 to care for Abe who was hospitalized with a serious illness. The decision to retire was an easy decision for her to make; her love and devotion to Abe came first.Her love of travel motivated her to join the Guys and Dolls Social Club, a group of lifelong fiends who traveled together. Bernice also joined another social club for married couples—S.C.O.R.E. She was and active member until the time of her illness. Bernice loved to travel, shop, read and was an avid gardener. She looked forward to tending her vegetable garden planted each year by Lee, her son-in-law. During her lengthy illness, Bernice was blessed to have Abe constantly at her beside. The love and presence of her daughters, Sharon and Donna, helped to make Bernice’s final transition a peaceful one. On Sunday morning July 28, 2002, God reached down from heaven and closed Bernice’s eyes and whispered in her ear, “My child I’ve come to take you home to your final resting place. I have prepared a place for you because your work is done.” Bernice’s earthly struggles have come to an end. We are saddened beyond words, but we loved her enough to understand that this ending is a new and joyous beginning for her. Bernice passed quietly and peacefully at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.Bernice’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Abraham; her beloved daughters, Sharon Terry and Donna Lee; her devoted son-in-law, Vernal Lee; three grandchildren, Ravanna Headley, Jr., Wayne V. Lee, and Angela A. Terry; ten great-grandchildren, several cousins and other relatives and an extended family of friends.

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Bernice Lynn

April 27, 1922 - July 28, 2002