This is the story of Bernice Portis- Smith
Bernice's story starts on April 3, 1953. She was born to the
late James and Mary Cryer Portis of Lauderdale, Mississippi.
Bernice accepted Christ at a young age. She was a graduate of
Bishop College majoring in Business Administration.
She joined hands in marriage with Jeff Smith Jr on July 2,
1990 with children Tomekia Portis and Tameira Smith.
Bernice was dedicated to her career as an Administrative
Assistant at BGCGD.
Bernice was a wonderful woman who was loved beyond
measure. She was hardworking , nurturing, loving and caring
…always the life of the party. She would always bring light
and joy to every room she entered. She never met a person
that she didn't like and would start a conversation with
anyone she encountered.
She will always be honored, cherished and missed by her
family and friends. Our "Aunt Bea" as she liked to be called
by all was an amazing wife, mother, daughter of bundle of joy
like no other would be.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents James and Mary
Cryer Portis; two brothers Samuel Portis and James E. Portis;
two sisters Legertha Portis and Emma J. Portis Hersey.
Bernice's story ends on October 20, 2022 at 1:05 o'clock p.m.
at White Rock Medical Center.
She leaves to cherish memories of her three daughters
Tomekia Portis, Tameira Smith, Charisse Smith (N.C.); two
sons Jeffery Smith, Christopher Smith (N.C.); five
grandchildren Brooke Joseph, Jamiya Smith Kamari Smith,
Jailah and Jeremih Smith; her canine/grandkids Gunner
and Vegas whom she loved dearly and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, friends and many, many loved ones.