Bernice Wilson's Obituary
Bernice Shirley Wilson was born in Hope, Arkansas on April 1st, 1933, to Andrew and Bertha Carman. On January 22, 2025, she was called home to glory at 91 years of age in Berkeley, California.
She was the sixth child of eleven children. Growing up in Prescott, Arkansas she graduated from McRae High School in 1953. Although raised in the Baptist church Mother Wilson was drawn to the "Sanctified church" where she would pass every Sunday on the way to her own church. Lord moved under the leadership of the pastor, Elder Johnny T. Gilmore. Mother Wilson was saved in 1953 under this ministry. in 1953 Mother Wilson met and married Wilson "Lige". After he got out of the services, she moved to Berkeley to join him with their daughter, Pamela Yvonne. Later, four other children were born: Michael Wayne, Carl Eric, Danny Ray and Carolyn Denise. She was a devoted wife and homemaker.
One Sunday in 1957, Missionary Wilson encountered two of the Saints from Ephesian Church of God in Christ knocking on doors and witnessing. They encouraged her in the Lord and invited her to church, where she joined and served faithfully under Bishop E. E. Cleveland, Sr's leadership and was eventually licensed as an Evangelist Missionary in the Evangel Jurisdiction. After the passing of Bishop Cleveland, Mother Wilson continued under the pastorate of Bishop Robert-Richard Carr, and current pastor, Bishop Johnathan D. Logan, Sr., until the Lord took her home.
On December 31, 1971, Lige Wilson passed, and Mother Wilson was a widow raising five children with the help of the Lord. She continued working in the ministry and held professional jobs doing administrative work for two attorneys, worked as a restaurant manager and caregiver while raising her family as a single parent.
Through the years, Mother Wilson participated in various auxiliaries, i.e. Choir, Missions and Hospitality Departments, Sacred Ordinance, Altar Workers Ministry, and was Sunday Scholl Teacher. In the 1980's, Missionary, Wilson began working alongside Mother Vera Long (her best friend) in the Missions Department, where her heart for charitable giving and missions work grew. She also credited Mother Mary McKelvy for encouraging her missions work locally and in Africa. Outside of church, Mother Wilson loved to sing with her sisters: Hazel, Betty, and Helen. They formed a singing group called "The Carman Sisters" and sang in churches throughout Arkansas and in the SF Bay area. Following Elder Robert-Richard Carr's appointment as pastor of Ephesian Church and superintendent of the Word of Power District, Mother Wilson was elevated to the position of District Missionary and worked in the Women's Department of the Greater Northern California Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction under Mother Richardine Hunt.
Mother Wilson lived a life of holiness in her home, setting an example before her family and encouraging others. She had compassion for people and for soulwinning. She held a Bible Study in her home, prepared meals, donated clothing, and supported local missions and people in need everywhere. She was caring and kind, and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading the Bible, singing and music, serving the Lord, and working in her community. Mother Wilson's smile was infectious and admired by all. Her favorite scriptures were, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1) and "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:19) Mother Wilson often testified that she had a dream as a young person to be a dancer. Now she is praising God, rejoicing and dancing for the Lord in her new heavenly home every day. Mother Wilson was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Bertha Carman; 9 siblings: Irma Ford and Vernet Carman; one daughter: Pamela Wilson; and two grandsons: Donte Wilson and Terrance Wilson. She is survived by four children: Michael, Carl, Danny Rae and Carolyn; two sisters; Helen Walker and Betty Easter; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of family, church family, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernice?
Share a story where Bernice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernice you’ll never forget.
How did Bernice make you smile?