BERNICE WARE SPENCER, aged 93, transitioned on the morning of June 25th, 2024. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece, in law and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Bernice was born on July 26, 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama to the union of Hillard Ware, Sr and Laura Wooley Ware, who both preceded her in death. She spent her formative years in Birmingham and was educated in Birmingham Public Schools. Bernice accepted Christ at an early age and became a member at First Baptist Church Mt Park. While there, she became a Sunday  School musician. A gifted, talented, and intelligent youth - she graduated from A. H. Parker High School in 1947 at the tender age of sixteen. After graduating high school, she enrolled at  Alabama State College (now University), Tuskegee Institute (now University), and Booker T. Washington Business College. She was first employed at the V A Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama then later at the V A Medical Center in Birmingham, where she retired in 1986. Throughout her career, she was known for her hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others.

On April 30,1955 Bernice joined in holy matrimony to Joseph Lovell Spencer, who preceded her in death. They were blessed to share forty-four wonderful years of marriage! To this union were born three children - Jorita (Forrest) Blackmon, Bernard D. (Amanda "Liz") Spencer, and Kevin Lovell Spencer.

She loved spending time with her family, sharing stories, playing card games, playing Scrabble, and watching her favorite TV game shows and soap operas. A favorite to all that knew her, she was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges they faced.

At the time of her transition, Bernice was devoted to her faith as an active member of Rushing Spring Missionary Baptist Church. She was known as an outstanding citizen in the Oak Ridge community. As a parent, she volunteered for multiple PTA  and social organizations. She was a true role model and mentor to many.

Bernice was preceded in death by her brother Hillard Ware, Jr (Geraldine), and granddaughter, Laura Spencer.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her children; her "sister-like" aunt Chrystbaell Ware Friar; her special friends Essie Johnson and Bertha Oliver; her grandchildren Consuela Spencer,  Robert (Norvona) Spencer, Erica (Saed) Banijami , Elisheba Spencer, Raven Blackmon, Kimber (Dorien) Rochester, Kevin (Jordyn) Spencer; a honorary granddaughter Keisha Pardon; and a honorary son, Tommy Avery; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and a veritable host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.