Bernice Edna (Johnson) Hale

Washington, D.C. - On Friday, April 13, 2007, Mrs Bernice Edna (Johnson) Hale departed this life by God's infinite wisdom and mercy. Mrs. Hale was born to the late James Johnson and Juanita Johnson Sims on November 21, l927 in Kingsport, Tennessee, where she resided until l962 when she and her husband moved to Washington, District of Columbia.

Mrs. Hale was a longstanding, dedicated member of the Elks, a benevolent organization renown for its educational scholarships, community service and contributions, having first joined the Elks' Dunbar Temple #344 in l951 in Kingsport and was a member on the Myrtle Spears Council, serving for one year as trustee in the Tennessee State Association, and the Dunbar Temple's reigning Assistant Daughter Ruler at the time of her departure from Kingsport.

Transferring her membership to the Washington, D.C. Columbia Temple #422 she continued her work and service with and on behalf of the Elks, attaining Past Grand Daughter Ruler Honors; Loyal Daughter Ruler and assistant financial secretary of the Magnolia Council; Daughter Ruler of Columbia #422; First Assistant Gatekeeper; Tri-state Directress of the Flower Circle Department; President of the Fredia L. Andrews Past Grand Daughter Rulers Circle and honoree at their first "Courageous Women Recognition Dinner" for services rendered over the years; 2nd Vice President of the Past State President's Club, and recipient of the prestigious State President's Achievement and Appreciation Award.

Mrs. Hale is survived by her most devoted, loving, and caregiver husband, Sidney Hale; loving daughter Carolyn Rockymore (Everett) and grandson, Alexander of Burke, VA; brothers Rev. Theodore Powell of Shelbyville, NC and Robert Johnson (Margaret) of Kingsport, TN; aunts Carrie E. Johnson and Forney R. Stevenson of Hickory, NC; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Siblings preceding her in death were brothers Jackie and Bennie McLemore, Randolph Johnson.

Mrs. Hale retired from the D.C. Government Public Schools after 19 years in food service.

"Our strong beauty, we will love, miss and remember you for your love of God, family and friends, your warm and wonderful smile, your energy, your fun-loving ways, your sense of style; and your love of service and commitment to our community. Thank you for the Memories" The Family

Services will be conducted at the Trinity A. M. E. Zion Church, Washington, D.C., Friday, April 20, 2007, with The Rev. William Kelly, Officiating Visitation at 10:00 AM, Elks Ceremony, Funeral at 11:00 AM. Mrs. Hale and the family are in the care of the R. N. Horton Company, 600 Kennedy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. (202) 829-9000.