Bernice

Woolfolk

Bernice Deloris Woolfolk, nee Wright, was born
in Portsmouth, Virginia, on May 29, 1937. She met and
married her husband Henry Woolfolk on November
6, 1965, and the union produced two children, Tonya
Woolfolk and Todd Woolfolk. She was predeceased by
her husband and her son. During her formative years
she worked as a bank teller, and later she became a schoolteacher in the New York
City Public Schools, where she served with distinction until her retirement.
Bernice accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Rhema Life Center,
where she remained a member until she left New Jersey. At Rhema life center she
served as a choir member and as the outreach personnel who contacted those
who visited the church. She had a special interest in children, particularly those
with special needs. She was very intentional in reaching out to these children.
Even though Bernice had challenges walking, she was a very dynamic,
adventurous, and cosmopolitan person. She traveled extensively within the
United States and around the world. Her main reason for traveling so extensively
was to learn about other cultures and to broaden her world view. Her travels
included a trip to South Africa where she commuted by boat to Robin Island,
the site of South Africa's maximum-security prison, where former president and
anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for twenty-seven years.
She also travelled to Zimbabwe, where she visited Victoria Falls, one of the
seven wonders of the world. In Zimbabwe, when her travel partners opted for
sightseeing, Bernice broke rank and secured a ride on the back of an elephant.
Etched in the minds of those who know Bernice well, is her commitment
towards the caring of her late son, Todd Woolfolk. Todd was a special needs child
who needed special care around the clock. Instead of sending him to a facility to
be cared, Bernice chose to care for her son for the span of his entire life. She took
the very best care of him, and she never complained. This is an example that is
worth emulating.
Bernice leaves the following family members to mourn; her daughter Tonya
Woolfolk; her cousins Carey Davis, Craig and Ronnette Davis, Helen Stephens,
Monique Stevens, and Crystal Stewart; also her Rhema church family and a host
of friends and loved ones.
The acronym "Bernice Woolfolk" captures the essence of this great woman.
Bernice represents Brilliant, Encouraging, Radiant, No-nonsensical, Intelligent,
Compassionate and Exemplary. Woolfolk represents Wonderful, Outstanding,
Optimistic, Light-hearted, Fascinating, Outgoing, Lively, and Kind. Bernice
Deloris Woolfolk, you lived your life in service for the Lord and your fellowmen.
You have left this world a better place than you found it. May your soul rest in
peace!