Bernice Cross was born February 14, 1945 to Mr. Lewis W. Evans, Sr. and Mrs. Ellen Bowman in Winston-Salem, NC. Bernice passed away from this earthly home and transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday October 29, 2023.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend and will forever be missed by all that she has touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Barbara Jean Evans and Dolly Mae (David) Hairston; and brothers, Lewis (Minnie) Evans Jr. and Bernard Evans.

Bernice attended 14th Street School and graduated from Paisley High School. She grew up in the Boston area on Pittsburg Ave where she met several friends that she cherished like family and were lifelong friends. She worked at R. J. Reynolds for 30 years and always made sure she was there for her grandkids. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church for over 50 years and she was active on the kitchen committee, after school program, and Pastors Aid. Bernice enjoyed working with kids and was instrumental in picking up kids from schools all over the city and taking them to the daycare center when helping out with the church. Bernice became affiliated with Life Changing Transformation Church Ministries under Pastor Alice Mitchell which developed into a very endearing friendship over the years. Everyone who saw Bernice saw her with the girls, Cam and Gabbie. She would be going here and there, and they would be smiling in that back seat. Where she went, they went. She will truly be missed.

Bernice is survived by her two loving daughters, Jacqueline E. Spease and Carolyn Y. Cross; grandchildren, Johnathan Spease, Sr., Jordan Crockett, Maranda Martin, Maria Martin and Chvna-Doll Cross; great-grandchildren, Cambrielle and Gabrielle Cross, Johnea', Johnnelli , Johnathan, Jaelyn, and Jameir Spease, and Jordyn Crockett; beloved son, Monte Coker; honorary grandchildren, Timeka Spease and Timothy Spease, Jr.; nieces and nephews, Sharon Rawlinson, DoVetta (Fred)McGhee, Angela and Michelle Evans, Lisa Kelly, Hurlon Bodger, Undrea Montgomery, and Terrance (Christie) Evans; and several great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, November 3, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Friendship Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Church.