Bernice L Thompson

BERNICE LANDORA BEARD, daughter of the late Samuel Beard and Matilda Harris-Beard, was born on June 5, 1927. Bernice, nicknamed Bunny, was the youngest of the couple's two children. After vigorously battling illness, she was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 23, 2015. Throughout Bunny's youth, she spent many summers enjoying her grandfather's farm in South Hill, Virginia. While visiting, she was always engaged in fun activities with her cousins. She and her cousins also cultivated the farm, completing many tasks. Bernice attended Baltimore City Public Schools, and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in February 1945. Her graduation was accelerated a semester, due to her excellent academic record. While in high school, she became acquainted with Catherine Manning (Bailey), and they maintained a close friendship throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she met and married Lester Thompson. They were blessed with two children, Maurice and Celestine (Tina). Lester and Bernice were together for 67 years of marriage, until God called Lester home six months prior. Bernice began working as a teenager, and held clerical jobs within several Federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. She ultimately retired from the United States Postal Service. Bernice was always rooted in the Christian faith. She joined Fulton Baptist Church at the age of 12. She was dedicated to the church, and served as the Financial Secretary, and as a member of the Flower Circle. After retirement, she spent most of her free time involved in church affairs, and learning more about God. She enjoyed teaching biblical principles and regularly rehearsing speeches with her grandchildren, for their Sunday School recitations and church plays. After 59 years of service at Fulton Baptist Church, she found her new church home at First St. Stephens Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Aggie L. Brown, Jr. At First St. Stephens, she took several bible classes, and grew spiritually. The congregation affectionately called her "Mother Thompson," and she enjoyed their fellowship. Throughout her 17 years at First St. Stephens, she supported many church activities, and enjoyed attending services regularly until her illness. Bernice was a witty, funny, protective, compassionate, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She would give her all to help someone in need. She cherished time with family and friends, and appreciated being at all milestones in her family's lives. Bunny was extremely tech savvy, and liked to play various computer games. She liked to travel and take trips with her family. She was a woman full of character and strength. She always stood up fearlessly, for what was right. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to get things past her. Bernice, "Bunny," was preceded in death by her son, Lester Maurice Thompson, and she leaves to mourn: her devoted daughter, Celestine (Tina) Thompson Tatum; one sister Catherine Beard; one sister-in-law, Mildred Johnson; five grandchildren, Darnell Tatum, Robyn Tatum Terrell (Lester), Maurice L. Thomopson (spouse Tanishia), Angela Tatum and Alicia Tatum (Lesha), eleven great-grandchildren; Melanie Jazmyn, Ashley, Tony, Darnell Jr., Triniti, Danielle, Gabrielle, Celestine, Ryan and Alejandro (Alex); five great-great grandchildren; Jayden, Ayanna, Kamari, King, and Austin; god-daughters, Wanda Bailey and Cynthia Bailey Curtis; life-long friend, Catherine Bailey, and a host of cousins,, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Bernice L Thompson

June 5, 1927 - August 23, 2015