Bernice Scott Pernell

Bernice Scott Pernell was born in the state of Mississippi, January 8, 1932. She was the youngest of six children born to James Scott and Lucille White Scott. She departed this life October 12, 2024. Bernice attended her first years of school in Mississippi. Her family moved to Memphis in 1943 where she continued her education in the Memphis City School System, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1949.

Bernice was joined in matrimony with William Pernell Jr. in December 1953. From this union, four children, Yolanda Harris, William Pernell III, Adrienne Murray, and Sheryl Pernell Clayton, were born.

She continued her education at LeMoyne-Owen College and University of Memphis. She taught for 32 years in the Memphis City School System until she retired in 1997. She will be remembered for her loving and patient spirit that was often cherished by former students. She was a blessing to all she touched and she leaves her children, grandchildren, Yolondalyn Murray, Elizabeth Clayton, Lauren Clayton, Adrienne Clayton, and Morgan Utsey-Williams, sister Mildred Lewis, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation for Bernice will be held Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, followed by a memorial service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.