Bernice D. (Wilson) Smith, 91, of Worcester passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 7th. Her husband of 66 years, Thomas E. Smith died in 2005. She leaves her siblings, Laura Pearson, Paula Fisher, Marilyn Ward, Oliver Wilson all of Worcester and Charlotte Carlton of Durham, NC; her grandchildren, Vanessa White of Atlanta, GA, Shelley Gray-Pitts, Kyle Gray both of Worcester, Courtney Gray-Moore of Atlanta, GA and Darren Gray of Ashburn, VA; eight great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, her only child, Rheta V. (Smith) Gray; a grandson, Thomas “Tommy” Gray; and two siblings, Leslie Wilson and John Wilson.
She was born in Worcester, the eldest daughter of Leslie and Lena (Jackson) Wilson and attended the former Classical High School. Bernice worked for many years at State Mutual of America and during her earlier years she was the caregiver to her siblings. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, reading, knitting and spending her summers with her husband down the Cape entertaining her family and friends. Bernice was a former member of John St. Baptist Church.
The family would like to thank Summit Eldercare and Homestead Hall of Worcester for the support and care of their grandmother.
“As she slept she started to see just how beautiful heaven can be.”
Calling hours are Friday, April 13th from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with her funeral service beginning at NOON. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.