- Date Of Birth: May 20, 1935
- Date Of Death: April 27, 2013
- State: Maryland
Bernice McKennie was born on May 20, 1935 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She was the 2nd of 5 children born to Percy McKennie and Almira Burrell (both deceased).
Bernice’s family moved to Maywood, Illinois in 1938 where she was baptized at 2nd Baptist Church under Pastor Rev. Hayden.
She attended Washington Elementary School and Proviso East High School, Maywood, Illinois. Bernice was employed by Maywood Head-start, Operation Uplift, and the U.S Post Office. She attended Triton College and later became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Bernice later moved on to work as a Physical Therapist at Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois for several years until she retired.
Bernice enjoyed sports, especially the Chicago Cubs. She coached the Maywood Girls’ Softball Team – Powerline. Her love for the neighborhood children was extra-ordinary. While at Operation Uplift, she managed the ‘Rec’ on 11th and Maywood Drive. Children would come to complete homework assignments and engage in several activities, instead of hanging in the streets. Bernice had a radiant ‘dimple’ smile.
Bernice moved to Temple Hills, Maryland in December 2006 and thereafter joined Elim Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor, Rodney E. Ruffin. She was an active member of the Usher Board.
Bernice married John L. Brown Sr. on January 5, 1954 and to their union 6 children were born Floyd, Shelia, Sherry, Patricia (deceased), Ruby Denise and Johnnie (deceased).
Bernice departed this life on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland. Bernice leaves behind to cherish her memories: ex-husband – John L. Brown, Sr.; her devoted children – Floyd Brown, Shelia (Theodore) Gordon, Gwendolyn Pincham, Sherry (Earl) Allen, Patricia Gipson (deceased), Ruby Denise Brown and Johnnie Brown (deceased). One brother – Tommie (Mickey) McKennie. Three sisters – Mary Clements and Marguerite Benefield (deceased) and Stella McKennie (deceased). 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Special friends – The Women of Elim Baptist Church.
Special thanks to Dr. Osea, Southern Maryland Hospital ICU – Sandy, Chris, Debbie, Gloria, Claudia and George (her Nurses).
