Ann Bernice Suggs Hunley

Ann Bernice Suggs Hunley was called from labor to reward by her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. She was born July 17, 1919, to the late Isaac Suggs and Mary Jones Suggs Flemmings. Her only brother, Francis I. Suggs, Fondly called Bill Jones, preceded her in eternal rest.Bernice attended St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic School until the fifth grade. She completed the 6th grade at William Anderson Elementary School #112. She graduated from the historic Booker T. Washington Junior High School and the renowned Frederick Douglass Senior High School.On July 9, 1939, Bernice married her schoolmate Charles L. Hunley whom she later divorced. However, in the eyes of her church, she remained married to Charles until his death in August 1998. Bernice was baptized at St. Francis Xavier R.C. Church, but later attended and served at St. Gregory the Great as Parish Council President, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council President, and Vice Prefect of Our Lady’s Sodality. After returning to St. Francis Xavier in 1987, she served as Liturgist and Eucharistic Minister, Chairman of the Pastoral Council Communication Committee, Religious Board of Education, and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.Bernice earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morgan State University and a Master’s Degree and Advanced Degree in Clinical and Therapeutic Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She continued graduate studies at Columbia University and Loyola College. Bernice was a life member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association and established an Endowment Scholarship Fund for students majoring in Music.For 31 years, Bernice was an educator and guidance counselor in the Baltimore County Public School System. During her Career, her entire emphasis was her deep concern and dedication to people- supporting, encouraging, and nudging each to become the best of which they were capable. She was called the “Teacher’s Teacher”. As Educational Counselor at Parkville Junior High School, she helped to develop the Middle School Program and curricula. She became a Charter Honoree in the National Distinguished Service Registry in recognition of her achievements in the field of counseling and Development.In 1952, A. Bernice was initiated into the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Morgan State University. There, she Morgan State University. There, she served as Treasurer for two years. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held a special place in her life. She served the sorority and promoted its ideals of service to all mankind in many capacities. She was a life member and held several leadership positions at the local, regional, and international levels of the sorority. She served two terms as president of the Epsilon Omega Chapter, the oldest and one of the largest graduate chapters in the sorority. She was proud of having received recognition from her peers for her leadership.In 1973 and 1984, she received the Dedicated Service Plaque for Leadership from the chapter. In 1982, she received the first Vivian J. Cook Award, the highest award given by Epsilon Omega Chapter. She was honored as Soror of the Month. Her membership in the sorority was continuous for more than fifty years. In 1982, she was honored as a “Golden Soror”.Bernice was known for her leadership ability and was very proud of the numerous awards received from organizations, boards, and committees on which she served. She was a board member of Echo House Multi-Service Center for over twenty years, of which fourteen years were served as its president. She served as president for Maryland’s Committee for the United Negro College Fund and president of the Baltimore City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. For this organization, she was appointed to various official positions on local, district, and national levels.In addition to her work in the community, A. Bernice worked arduously for her church. In 1992, she received the Archdiocese of Baltimore Peace and Justice Commission Award for her church commitments. She had the privilege of being blessed by the Pope on his visit to Baltimore.A. Bernice loved life and all the amazing interests it held. With her abundant energy, she was determined to see and do all that she could. She loved to travel and visited Hawaii, Rome, and other foreign countries. Family members and friends were of great importance to Bernice as revealed by the many kindnesses and thoughtful gestures she showed to them thoughout her life. She tried to bring joy to all who knew her. She believed that love was celebrating another’s avenue to fulfillment.Bernice is survived by many cousins, particularly, Dwight P. Thomas and Sharon Thomas Gilliard (godchild); her special children, Dr. Linda Y. Fassett and Sharon Nipper; sorors, friends, and most of all Annamaria B. Joyner and Ellen D. Gonzales who were really true sisters and great friends.

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Ann Bernice Suggs Hunley

July 17, 1919 - December 16, 2009