Obituary of Bernice Smith

Mrs. Bernice (Barnes) Smith of West Deptford, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2020. Bernice was born August 10, 1935 in Webb, AL to Leamon and Vassie (Cummings) Barnes. She was educated in Dothan, AL, and later moved to Belle Glade, FL where she met Lee Voltra Smith of Dublin, GA. They were married on June 19, 1951 in Belle Glade and from that union were seven children: Robert (Angelita) Smith of Utica, NY; Billy Smith of Jacksonville, FL; Janet "Nunie" Smith of Thorofare, NJ; Annie "Ann" Smith of Utica, NY; Gloria "Tina" Walker of West Deptford, NJ; Gary Smith of Utica, NY; and Jerry Smith of Jacksonville, FL. In addition to her seven children, Bernice is survived by eleven grandchildren: Anthony (Angela) Smith of Rochester, NY; Latoya (Dawud) Brown of Pennsauken NJ; Armon Walker of Myrtle Beach, SC; Theresa Smith of Dothan, AL; Samuel McDonald of Dothan, AL; LaShawn (Tarrance) Edwards of Utica, NY; Keenon Walker of Tampa,FL; Rasheen Brooks of Utica, NY; Tiffany Smith of Utica, NY; Renetta Walker of West Deptford, NJ; Voltra Lee Smith of Utica, NY, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind her brothers: Matthew Cummings of Utica, NY and James (Pennie) Cummings of Utica, NY; a sister-in-law Rosia (Howard) Nealy of Frederica, DE, and countless nieces, nephews, and close friends. Bernice is predeceased by her husband, Lee Voltra Smith; her parents Leamon Barnes and Vassie Barnes Cummings; her sisters Maudie Belle Barnes, Arilla Slade, Willielalah Whorley, and Daisy Edwards. Bernice was an avid reader of books and loved cooking for her family. Bernice, her mother, and her sisters were some of the best cooks around. She also enjoyed travelling and fishing. Bernice will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. We miss you mom. We cried when you passed away, We still cry today. Although we loved you dearly, We couldn't make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, Your loving hands are at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. The family would like to acknowledge and offer their most sincere "thank you" for the outpouring of love from everyone. A special acknowledgment to the staff of Manor Care of West Deptford, NJ and Heartland Hospice of Blackwood, NJ. Services Entrusted To: Carl Miller Funeral Home - 831 Carl Miller Blvd. Camden, NJ 08104 T. Revels-Gibson Funeral Home - 144 Eagle St. Utica, NY 13501