Bernice Sherlene Reese

Bernice Sherlene was born April 16, 1952, in Bainbridge, Georgia, on a red dirt road.  Her parents were the late L. Paul Stradley and Josie M. White.

At an early age, she was baptized at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where she attended Sunday School and worked in the church.  As she grew up, she joined the Choir.

She was educated at West Bainbridge Elementary, and then she went to high school.  Bernice was a member of the Class of 1970, the last class to graduate from Hutto High School.  She was a smart student, especially excelling in math.

She was a hardworking person before moving to Syracuse, New York, where she lived for many years.  She then returned to Bainbridge and began working at Bainbridge State Hospital on the base.  Afterwards, she became employed at Kmart for several years.

Bernice was the mother of five children and four step/god-children.  She also raised two grandchildren after the death of her oldest daughter Barbara.

Bernice had a conversation with GOD and her loved ones.  Her words on that Sunday evening while looking out the window were “I want to go Home”.  So, on September 14, 2023, with no more pain, sorry, sickness nor woe, she let go of this world and went Home to be with GOD.  She was preceded in death by her mother Josie Mae, father L. Paul, children Barbara Clemons and Joseph Crawford, brother Denny C., sisters Rossie Martin and Sharon Williams, and other loved ones.

Bernice leaves to cherish her big sweet smile and memories of love and care three sons: Ramu Hawkins, Randy Cox, and Norris Cox, all of Bainbridge, GA; four stepchildren: Tiffany Scott, Ronnie Cox, Vernon Cox, and Greg Cox;  granddaughter whom she raised, Destiny Crawford of Bainbridge; additional grands; several great grands; two sisters, DeLois Conyers of Bainbridge and Hava Crawford of Atlanta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members and friends.