Bernice Evans James

She met Robert L. James from Shreveport, Louisiana. They met as he served as the preacher for the church where she and her family worshipped. To this union were given three sons and four daughters: Robert James Jr., Kathleen, Bernard, Gwendolyn, Kaye Francis, Alesia, and Anthony. Together, they worked with the Churches of Christ in Monroe, Louisiana, Delhi, Louisiana, Waldo, Arkansas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Pontiac, Michigan.

Bernice moved to Pontiac, Michigan in 1969 as her husband accepted employment with the the Franklin Road Church of Christ. In 1973 Bernice and Robert L. James divorced. Bernice secured employment with General Motors Truck and Bus Group. She worked as an assembler, conveyor attendant, inspector, source monitor, and supervisor trainee. Bernice retired in 1997 after twenty-four (24) years of service.

In life, Bernice maintained a spiritual awareness of God’s supreme rule over all things. The fact that God lived within her through and by His Holy Spirit was the building block and foundation of her life. Her faith in God the Father and His son Jesus Christ was no secret. This faith was the energy and driving force that sustained and propelled her through life’s wearisome journey.

Bernice was a teacher for God, teaching all ages in the church’s educational program. She communicated well, verbally and in her many teaching materials. Bernice taught singing as well, having the skill to sing all choral parts and the ability to read music. She was comfortable in any role, be it teaching, singing, or public speaking.

Raising her seven (7) children was the greatest joy of her life. Bernice views the fact that all of her children are faithful followers of Christ as the greatest blessing from God. Bernice was a serious 24/7 Christian, spirited, enthusiastic, and sincere in everything she did. Her life’s philosophy was to make a difference FOR THE LORD in someone’s life with her life.

Bernice leaves a legacy of a life lived seeking God and fulfilling His will in her life. She leaves songs still being sung that she taught. Lessons still inspiring readers that she wrote, taught, and lived. Converted and strengthened believers that she encouraged and inspired. The wholesomeness, the soundness, the genuineness of her life – this is her legacy.