of Leslie, AR
August 20, 1926 - March 29, 2024
Bernice Gray, age 97, of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this earthly life on Friday, March 29th, 2024 at Ozark Health Nursing and Rehab in Clinton, Arkansas. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on August 20th, 1926 to George Brooks and Flossie Leslie Brooks.
Bernice was a fourth-generation member of the founding fathers of Leslie, Arkansas. She lived there her entire life. She was a strong Christian lady and enjoyed attending church. She was a dedicated homemaker and no matter what her hand found to do, it was with her children and family in mind. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She and Rufus raised a large garden and liked to show off their bountiful harvest. Family always came first to Bernice and her gentle presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her sons, Sergal Lewis (Bonnie) of Marshall, Willis Lewis (Phyllis) of Leslie and Noel Lewis of Leslie; daughter-in-law, Karen Lewis of Leslie; one daughter, Janice Lewis of Leslie; grandchildren, Lucinda Lewis of Marshall, Rebecca Lewis of Marshall, Andrew Lewis of Leslie, Sheila Payne (Johnny) of Leslie, Lori Short of Marshall, Bernice Reves (Jarrett) of Chimes, Kevin Lewis (Jacquelyn) of Leslie, Amanda Lewis of Leslie, Bryan Lewis of Leslie, Ashley Paullin (Dean) of Alread, Akela Bower of Heber Springs and Aretha Kilgore (Ron) of Harrison; great-grandchildren, Syndey (Dean), Bethany, Evan (Laicee), Andrew, Luke (Elizabeth), Matthew, Ressie (Tamos), Rebecca (Justin), Riley (Aldrich), Dalton, Kylie, Bailey, Samuel, Carissa, Logan, Gavin, Morgan (Dillon), Jackson and Arpie; great-great grandchildren, Coy, Jonah, Myla, Reya, Naomi, Nile, Atticus, Bennett, Maverick, Madden, Luka and Connor and many nieces, nephews and extended family who will also mourn her passing.
Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, George and Flossie Brooks; her husband, Rufus Gray who passed away in 2017; her 1st husband and the father of her children, Rochester Lewis; one son, Jimmie Lewis; great-great grandchild, Memphis Whitbey; daughter-in-law, Sharon Lewis; six brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services for Bernice will be 2:00 PM Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Chris Reade officiating. Special music will be performed by Aretha Kilgore and Lorene Eaton. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in Shady Grove Cemetery. Friends and family will serve as bearers.
Sign Guestbook
14 Condolence(s)
Phyllis Lewis
Monday, April 8, 2024
I’m so sorry for your loss. Aunt Bernice was an amazing lady and she will be greatly missed. My prayers go with you and your families, to give you comfort and peace during this time.
I will always have the wonderful memories of all the times spent at their home with Mom and Dad.
My god bless you and keep you in his arms and give you the strength to carry on. My love to you all!
Phyllis( Virginia and Willie daughter)
Vickie Lucas
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
May God wrap all of you in his comforting arms during your time of loss. Bernice will always be remembered for her sweetness & faith in the good Lord above.
Faye Preddy
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss.Bernice was such a sweet lady.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeannie Rice
Monday, April 1, 2024
I am so sorry for the loss of this sweet and wonderful woman. My heart goes out to my wonderful friend, Janice Lewis and her family.
Brenda Lewis
Monday, April 1, 2024
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bernice was a great lady and a very good Christian lady as well. I pray for comfort for all of her family.
Geraldine Ford
Monday, April 1, 2024
So sorry for the loss of a very sweet lady may God comfort you as only God can
Ronald&Alice Presnull
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Sorry for your loss,praying for your family.
Ronald&Alice Presnull
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Sorry for your loss,praying for your family.
Alvin Lewis
Sunday, March 31, 2024
I’m so sorry for the loss of a wonderful lady. I’m so glad that I was able to see her a few months ago while visiting. Bernice was always a gentle soul and reflected her faith in Christ Jesus by living life day by day in the faith of God. Her presence whenever you saw her was like a beautiful angel. She is so happy now. I can see her now with my mom Mildred Lewis being over joyed and giggling like school girls. She has run her race and trusted Jesus her whole life. She is smiling now at her masters feet.
Nancy Ward
Sunday, March 31, 2024
She was a gentle, quiet soul. Very sweet. I worked for her for a while and she always worried that I was doing too much. Howard and I went to church with her for years. Love you Bernice , Lori, Willis and Phyllis.
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Sunday, March 31, 2024
We send you all our deepest sympathy, and prayers.
Barbara Smith
Saturday, March 30, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Berneice but I knew several of her children. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in knowing she is with her lord. God Bless each one of you.
James and Jeri White
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your mother
Shawna Jolly-Wilbanks & Johnny Wilbanks
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Dear family- I am so very sorry for your great loss. Mrs Bernice was a precious lady and I know you all will miss her very much. I will keep you all in my prayers for God’s strength and peace during this most difficult time of grief. Love and hugs to you all.