Bernice Mcrae

Bernice McRae was born September 10, 1942 to the late John Henry McRae and the late Jessie Mae McRae in Valdosta, GA. Bernice concluded her earthly journey on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.   Ms. McRae was educated in the Valdosta City School System and an honor graduate of Pinevale High School Class of 1960. After graduating from Pinevale, she attended Savannah State College, Savannah, GA. As a young adult, with her daughter (Robrette), and Robrette’s Godmother, she moved to Crown Heights, Brooklyn and later relocated to Bedford-Stuyvesant. She attended Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, NY and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

At an early age, Bernice joined Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Valdosta, GA. After relocating to New York, she joined Concord Baptist Church of Christ, Brooklyn, NY where she was a faithful member and the Financial Officer from 2013 until her health began to fail. She also served on the Board of Trustees later becoming the Chair of Board. She was a member of the Progressive Ministry, Sisterhood Ministry and Worldwide Guild holding the office of Past President. Bernice “Loved her Church Family”

Bernice was employed at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in the Greater New York City Area for thirty plus years. Her last position held was Director of Business Services where she consulted entrepreneurs about business ownership and mentored them through the loan application process for the Restoration Revolving Loan Fund.

Bernice also enjoyed giving her time and service to the community of   Brooklyn. This included the Brooklyn NAACP, The Campaign against Hunger, Albert Vann Legacy of Leadership Project, BK Reader,         Children’s Defense Fund, New York, Billie Holiday Theatre, Inc., and more that impacted the city of Brooklyn, NY.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her five brothers: William McRae, James L. Williams, John R. McCray, Lonnie McCray and Abraham McRae: one brother-in-law: Edgar Sampson, Sr.

Bernice leaves to cherish her loving memories and give thanks for her life a loving daughter, Robrette E. McRae; one sister, Emma Sampson; one brother, Hakim (Eddie) McRae; three sisters-in-law, Patricia McRae, Eula McRae and Kathleen McCray Addison; eight nieces: Anita Jordan, Carolyn Sampson-Burgess (Warren, Jr), Jean McCray Ashe, Abranna McRae, April McRae, Rebekah McRae, Marquita Reams and Michelle Sampson; nephews: Edgar Sampson, Jr., William McCray, Willie Alderman, Gregory Sampson and Keith Sampson; great nieces: Daphne, Clare, Jadyn, Jaslyn, Amaya, Aaliayah and Kinsely; great nephews:   Edgar, III, William, Warren, III, JaCara, Gregory, Hansome and Josiah. Special Families: The Southerlands, Hunters, Gatewoods and Cambridges; and a host of church family and friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Bernice McRae will be Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel, 636 River Street, Valdosta, GA.

Pastor J. Bernard Braswell, II will officiate.

Interment, Southview Cemetery, Valdosta, GA.

Visitation, Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Godfrey Funeral Home.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net. Personal and professional services provided by Godfrey Funeral Home