Obituary of Bernice Beaird

Mrs. Bernice Beaird, age 89, of Baltimore, transitioned Friday, October 8, 2021, at the St. Agnes Hospital of Baltimore, MD. Mrs. Beaird was born May 12, 1932, in Baltimore, MD. A public viewing for Mrs. Beaird will be held Friday, October 22 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. A homegoing celebration for Mrs. Beaird will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at St. James Episcopal Church, 1020 W. Lafayette Avenue, Baltimore, MD, where services will begin at 11:00am. The interment will take place at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, Owings Mills Monday, October 25th @ 10:45AM In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to: St. James Episcopal Church Building Fund. ~Obituary~ Come to me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from Me, because I am gentle and bumble in spirit and in Me you will find sweet rest. Early in the morning of October 8, 2021, God reached out from Heaven and placed wings on His faithful servant, Bernice Beaird, and said, "Come with me to your heavenly home." Bernice Marjorie Johnson was born in Baltimore, May 12, 1932, to Doris Elizabeth and Vernon E. Johnson. She had two siblings, a sister Mary J. Demory and a brother, Michael C. Smith, Sr., who preceded her in death. She pursued her education in Baltimore City Public Schools graduating from Frederick Douglass High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morgan State College (University) in 1954 with a double major in English and Social Studies. Continuing her educational pursuits, she earned a Master of Science Degree from Coppin State College (University) with a major in Special Education. Her professional career as an outstanding educator began in Howard County at the Harriet Tubman Junior/ Senior High School. After spending four years in Howard County, she transferred to the Baltimore City Public School System. Her successful teaching career of thirty years covered her long tenure as a Special Education Department Head. Upon retiring from the Baltimore City Public Schools, she was recruited to work part time for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services as an Education Specialist in the Foster Care Division. As a dedicated and committed Specialist, this position covered more than twenty -three years. Her record of commitment was never compromised; excellence was her mission. Her genuine love for her work and the children and young adults she served resulted in lasting relationships with young people who later became her professional peers. Frequently, many expressed appreciation and gratitude for her unwavering guidance and involvement and some affectionally called her "Mom." Bernice's warm smile, coupled with her inviting friendly personality, gave her an enviable "Village" to which many belonged. Franklin Beaird was the love of her life and they were joined in Holy Matrimony July 10, 1955. They both enjoyed life and enjoyed people. Together they traveled extensively, locally, regionally, and internationally. Many were recipients of their love for shopping; their congeniality at social events; as well as their love for hosting holiday gatherings for family and friends. People loved being in their company. Soon after marrying Frank, she joined him in worship at St. James Episcopal Church where she remained throughout her life. Their joint love for helping children and young adults led both to become youth advisors at St. James. As a resident in the Ashburton Community for more than forty years, she was an early member of the For-Win-Ash Garden Club. Some of her other community involvement included the Ashburton Community Association; the Boomers Senior Organization at Heritage United Church of Christ; and the Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, where she was a charter member and Vice President of Membership. Bernice was initiated into Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated, through Alpha Delta Chapter at Morgan State College (University), April 25, 1952. Both a "Pearl Soror" and a Life Member, she was a member of the sorority for sixty- nine years. Sixty- seven of these years were with the Epsilon Omega Chapter where she served with sisterly love and extended her service and involvement to the regional and international levels. She leaves an indelible imprint of love, joy, and a profound record of championing and catalyzing others in finding their strengths and values. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted sister Mary J. Demory, faithful Nephews Michael C. Smith, Jr., Nathaniel J. Gibson, II, Stephen O. Gibson (Linda), Nieces Kimberly and Kelly Smith, Sister in Law Deborah Smith, Special Cousins who were like sisters Maisie Sutton and Jean Henry. Great Nephews Joshua, Jeremiah, & Isaiah Smith, Great Nieces Lena & Eden Smith, Grand Nieces Quiana C. Bryson (Bryant), Crystal Gibson, Great Grand Nieces Maleah Whitehurst, Blair Bryson, Great Grand Nephews Christopher Burley, Hunter Bryson, Ryland Bryson, and a host of cousins, family, and friends.