Bernice Smith

Bernice Smith, 67, of South Bend, Indiana departed this life at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2019 at her residence. Bernice was born to John and Vergie Mae (Roddy) Patterson on November 27, 1951 in Marvel, Arkansas.

Bernice moved to South Bend in 1969. She united in holy matrimony to her lifetime partner, Robert Smith on March 9, 2015. Bernice worked in the healthcare industry for 33 years as a Qualified Medical Assistant. She has been employed by Ridgedale Nursing, Ironwood Nursing, and Trailpoint Nursing where she retired from. She was a member of New Peter's Rock Missionary Baptist Church where she served as the Treasurer; choir member; and she worked with the Kitchen Committee. Bernice enjoyed spending time with her family, fishing and working within her church. Bernice was known for her pleasant demeanor and giving heart.

Survivors left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Robert Smith of South Bend, Indiana; two daughters: Jodi Jurkowski of South Bend and Cinnamin (Terence) Witherspoon of Waxahachie, Texas; six grandchildren: Byron Agnew II, Cory Williams Jr., Jailyn Williams, Cinnamin Witherspoon, Tyreik Williams and Cincere Witherspoon; one great-grandchild, Jayvon Williams; one sister, Paula Patterson; two brothers: Larry Patterson, both of South Bend, and Ivory Patterson of Atlanta, Georgia; stepchildren: Irise Quiroz, Barbara (Bryant) Smith, Robert Smith Jr., Sonya Smith, Clover Smith and Erin Smith, all of South Bend; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by parents, John and Vergie Mae (Roddy) Patterson; three sisters: Linda Patterson, Frances Patterson and Jessie Mae Gatson; two aunts: Levada Lintz and Hattie Mae Murry; one uncle, William T. Lintz; and a nephew, Franklin Gatson.

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