Mother Bernice L. Davis was born on August 28, 1938, and departed this life on February 5, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Betty Anne Hoover. Siblings: Ellen Austin, Doretha Richardson, William Gilbert Hoover, Herbert Richard Hoover, Charles Blair Hoover, Donald Eugene Hoover, Paul Lawrence Hoover, an Roy Gilbert Hoover. Robert L. Phipps, Sr. Children: daughter and best friend, Robin B. Palmer, Robert L. Phipps, Jr. Grandchildren: Kenyetta S. Hargrove and Shaniqua Dawkins-Turner.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Children, Elder Rodney B. (S. Elaine) Phipps, and Raynard B. Phipps. Sister: Geraldine Hayes, eight grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and special friends, long-time friend Joyce Woods, Juanita Motton, Dorothy Walls, and Victoria Jackson Meeks.
She is a graduate of East High School. She retired after 28 years of faithful service to the Franklin County Children Services and has been a musician in the Baptist faith for more than 50 years. At an early age, she played for multiple choirs at the Refuge Baptist Church, Minister of Music for 20 years at the New Zion Baptist Church, and Minister of Music for more than 15 years at the New Shiloh Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church. She was also a piano teacher, introducing the gift of music into many lives. She was a strong woman of faith, morales, and courage.
* * *
A previous one from us is gone, a voice we love is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled.
The Golden Gates were opened, a gentle voice said come,
With farewell unspoken, she entered home.
Loved and will be sadly missed
The Family