A Celebration of the Life of Mrs. Bernices Miller Martin, Tuesday, June 11, 2013, Lincoln Cemetery Chapel, 2275 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, Northwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, Reverend Barbara Jenkins, Officiating, Assistant Pastor Saint Mark A.M.E. Church, Reverend James E. Hightower, Eulogist, Pastor Emeritus, Greater Elizabeth Baptist Church

"I'd like the memory of me To be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow Of smiles when day is done."
"'Carol Mirkel
Usher Board #2 Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
Nephews and Friends
The open arms, outstretched hands, the warm and loving hearts; the good deeds done are never lost, each kindly act takes root, each bit of love we sow, in time will bear its fruits. May God bless each of you for these blessings.
3000 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Atlanta, Georgia 404.691.3810

MARCH 16, 1926 - JUNE 4, 2013
STORY OF A DAUGHTER, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, SISTER, AUNT AND FRIEND
In the year of 1926, when Black History was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, history was also being made in the Edison, Georgia home of Andrew Miller, Sr. and Rosie Blocker Miller as they witnessed the birth of their fifth daughter, Bernice, on March 16, 1926. Bernice spent her early childhood in Edison before her family relocated to her grandparent's farm (the Blocker Plantation) in Arlington (Early County) Georgia. It was here that she learned the values, advantages and responsibilities of land ownership.
Bernice received a traditional education in the public schools of Calhoun and Early Counties. At an early age, she was baptized at New Prospect Baptist Church. Later she joined Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Atlanta where the late Reverend Homer M. Smith served as pastor. She was a faithful member of Usher Board #2 at Mt. Sinai.
Bernice was devoted to her parents. Though her father died during her teenager years, she often told stories of his strong personality and his determination to protect his family. Her relationship with her mother was endearing. She viewed her as her role model; frequently, speaking of her mother's character and integrity. Additionally, she had a special bond with her father-in-law, Gus Martin, whom she affectionately called Papa and he referred to her as "Miss".
Bernice demonstrated immeasurable love for her siblings; loving each one of them for whom they were fully understanding the unique characteristics of each of them. The love she possessed for her siblings extended even to their offspring because she had a genuine love and affection for her nieces and nephews. Often she shared stories about times spent as a teenager babysitting for and visiting with her nieces and nephews. And as the younger ones began to arrive, my sister and I had an opportunity to experience the loving bond and affection that was shared among them.
As a mother, no sacrifice was too much to ensure that her children would have the foundation they needed to be successful and make a positive difference in the world as a whole. She ensured that her daughters knew and understood the family history. Our mother was always loving; however, she was unflinching in her stance on what characterized a young lady and finer womanhood. In raising us, Mama taught us many valuable lessons. Among those lessons, are three major principles that have carried us from childhood to adulthood; they are: (1) T here is a right way and a wrong way to do anything- choose right, (2) Your education is something no person can take from you and it will always benefit you and (3) You are as good as anybody; but no better than anyone who walks on God's green earth because we are all human beings. Indeed, these are simple statements but strong guiding principles in life. As a grandmother, her devoted grandson expresses the love he has for his beloved grandmother. To him she was smart, intelligent, hardworking, an excellent cook, straightforward, down to earth, always happy, a lovely overall good-spirited person whom he will forever hold dear to his heart.
And then there was Bernice Miller Martin the individual- a person with a friendly spirit easy to talk to and always willing to lend a helpful hand. She was a friend and a person who related to children and young adults as well as she did toward her contemporaries. Bernice married Ralph Martin on December 29, 1945 in Blakely Early County, Georgia. The newlyweds arrived in Atlanta that same day and started on their journey of building a life together. To this union two daughters were hom, Ruby Nell and Joyce. Bernice was a homemaker for twenty-eight years. She began a seventeen year career with Pittsburg Pain and Glass Company, PPG, after her children began their successful careers.
Bernice spent her last Sunday visiting and fellowshipping with her brother, nieces and nephews, her daughter and grandson. She was so very happy. On Tuesday morning, June 4, with her daughter and grandson by her side, she peacefully transitioned to her eternal home. Bernice was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Martin and her older daughter, Ruby Martin Mitchell. She is survived by her loving daughter, Joyce Martin Jackson (Willie); devoted grandson, Cedric Martin Jackson; a brother, Andrew Miller of Arlington, Georgia; two sisters, Hattie Miller of Arlington, Georgia and Evelyn Reddick of Miami, Florida; one sister-in-law, Esther M. Walker of Albany, Georgia as well as a host of nieces, nephews , other family and friends.

Prelude Processional H ymn Invocation
Scripture Readings Old Testament N ew Testament
H ym n Poem Obituary (Read Silently) As We Knew Her (Reflections)
Special Selection Eulogy
Acknowledgements Recessional

"Alleluia" "Blessed Assurance"

Words by Sinclair Words by Fanny Crosby Reverend Barbara J enkins Sr. Mark A .M .E. Church Reverend Barbara Jenkins

''What A Fellowship"

Words by Hoffman Dr. Alice R. Hinsley

Ms. Beverly Hall, Friend Mrs. Earlene Robinson, Friend Mrs. Dorothy Carson, Co-Worker Mr. Larry Freeman, Co- Worker
Gloria M. Benton and Dave J. Miller, Fami!J

"The Lord's Prayer"

Recording by Andrea Bocelli

Reverend James E. Hightower, Pastor Emeritus Greater Elizabeth Baptist Church

Mrs. Maurice A. Bowie

"God Be With You Till W e Meet Again"

Words by J. Rankin

Lincoln Mausoleum
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Saint Mark A.M.E. Church Molock Fellowship & Family Center 3605 Campbellton Road, Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30331