Bernice LaVerne Washington

Life and Legacy Bernice LaVerne Bailey and twin brother Bernard L. Bailey were born on November 11, 1929. The twins were born to the late I. Lincoln and Bertha H. Bailey in Richmond, Virginia. Bernice accepted Christ at an early age. She and her twelve siblings along with their parents worshiped at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. Bernice graduated from Armstrong High School. She matriculated at Virginia Union University where she earned a BA in Education. While attending Union, Bernice pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoyed many wonderful years as an AKA in the Upsilon Omega Graduate Chapter in Richmond. Bernice began her teaching career at Randolph Elementary School. She then went on to teach at Woodville Elementary School. She taught second grade and her teaching career lasted for forty years. As the story goes, Bernice and Robert spotted each other and were introduced at the local movie house. They were united in marriage on March 5, 1955. Bernice & Bob were married by the late Rev. Odie D. Brown. They joined Second Baptist Church and were both active members in the church for many years. They celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Robin Yvette Washington and Lisa Washington Calvo (Daniel) and two granddaughters, Alisha Yvette Thomas and Nina Giselle Calvo. Bernice enjoyed many church activities, reading, reciting poetry, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Bernice and Bob enjoyed many years of traveling with their daughters. She also felt it quite important to expose her two girls to the arts. She was a member of the Virginia Education Association, the National Education Association and AARP. Bernice loved to laugh and she could always tell a good story. She loved her family with all her heart. Bernice was often delighted to tell you about her granddaughters, nieces and nephews. Her siblings, Florence B. Henderson and Bernard L. Bailey, held a truly special place in her heart. Florence and Bernice were connected at the hip. Bernice and Bernard had a powerful twin connection. May you find comfort in knowing how fiercely Bernice loved and adored you both. Bernice and Bob were soul mates. We pray for God’s grace as Bob soldiers on without his beloved Bernice.

Tributes

Bernice LaVerne Washington

November 11, 1929 - February 24, 2019