Bernice Viola Banks Huskey transitioned to eternal rest peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia. Bernice was born on December 12, 1928 to the late Richard Sylvester Banks and Bertha Allen Banks. Bernice was predeceased by her husband, William Huskey, II; sons, William Huskey, III and Reynol Huskey; and
siblings, Melvin Sylvester, James Albert, and Milton Lee Banks, and Marjorie Mae Epps.
Bernice was the oldest of five children. The children were without maternal guidance at a young age. With the assistance of family members, the children were raised by caring aunts and uncles. Bernice was raised by Lillian Hatchett (affectionately called Aunt Lillie) and Jerrod Hatchett. Aunt Lillie would take her to her hometown Disputania, Virginia every year especially during their church revival in August. Bernice would take her children there occasionally to meet some of their kinfolk. Bernice attended Norfolk Public Schools: John T. West Elementary and Booker T. Washington High graduating in 1954. She received certificates from both schools in diligence, good conduct, and attendance; and several physical fitness certificates. She later attended VoTech on Military Highway in the 1970’s taking a homemakers class where she received her certification in Homemakers of Virginia from VoTech in 1978. She also received certificates in Custom Furniture Upholstery, Millinery Design,
and Back to the Bible Correspondence. Her desire was to be more than a housewife and mother. Her last employer was the Perry’s of Perry Buick automobile company.
Bernice met and married William Huskey, the one and only man in her life. Together they had seven children. Bernice had many career dreams that were fulfilled through her children. Bernice attended First Calvary Baptist Church for years and there she was baptized. In the early 1960’s, Bernice and Aunt Lillie began to attend the Garden of Prayer Church of God in Christ in the Brambleton section of Norfolk on Park Avenue. She later joined around 1962. Bernice was a member of the choir and floral club. She and her seven children would walk to church. Bernice did not tolerate disruption during church services by running to the bathroom, playing in the pews, and disorderly conduct. Not only was she a mother to her children, but a mother also
to many of the children in the neighborhood. Many of them received her method of discipline. This did not stop them from gathering at Ma Bernice’s house. Bernice was always proud of her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. She chastised and corrected them, stuck with them when times were rough, encouraged them to pursue their careers, babysat for them, taken trips and outings with them, and attended family reunions especially during the holidays.
Bernice leaves to cherish her memories: daughters, Patricia Drake of Chesapeake, Virginia; Bernice O. Huskey and Adriane Butts of Norfolk, Virginia; Cheryl Stewart of Alpharetta, Georgia; adopted daughter, Sandra Reid; son, Darrell Huskey of Norfolk, Virginia; cousin, Barbara Waff Howard; daughter-in-law, Joyce Huskey; sister-in-law, Marquarite Banks; adopted church daughter, Mildred Logan; 19 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, acquaintances, and church family.
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Previous Richmond Baker
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The Monk Family says
May 14, 2019 at 5:14 pmOur deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God bestow upon you His comfort, strength, and peace.
Paula says
May 14, 2019 at 7:38 pmCheryl and family…Praying for peace and healing as you celebrate your beautiful Mother. Sending you love. ❌⭕️
Paula Newman
Patricia Foreman says
May 14, 2019 at 11:30 pmPatricia Foreman
May 14,2019 at 11:25 pm
You have my deepest sympathy
May Your family find comfort and strength in God
Laurie Pokallus says
May 15, 2019 at 9:53 pmMy deepest sympathy to Cheryl and her beautiful family. May your mother’s memories bring comfort and strength to you all during this difficult time.
With love,
Laurie Pokallus
KEISHA BUTTS-BOLEN AND FAMILY says
May 16, 2019 at 11:30 amI remember visiting Ms. Bernice with my cousin’s Shonica and Chaunte Butts often as a child. She would always say “Hey Keisha. How ya momma and family doing. Tell’em I said Hi.” I remember her long thick pretty hair, smooth chocolate skin, and warm smile. And if you saw Ms. Tia, then you will always see Ms. Bernice. That was her “road-dog”. To Aunt Adriane, Tia, Buddy, Binky, Tricia, and family, Ms. Bernice was a beautiful spirit. And I know heaven is shining even brighter from that beautiful smile of her’s. My condolences to the family, may the beautiful memories comfort your hearts at this time.
GOD BLESS.
Marie Freeman says
May 16, 2019 at 5:19 pmFrom The Family of Marie Freeman we send our prayers for Ms. Bernice’s family. GOD bless and keep you all in his grace and mercy!
Mary Elaine Hyman says
May 17, 2019 at 1:10 amMy sympathy and condolences goes out to you and your family. Youre in my prayers for strength and comfort.
Lin says
May 26, 2019 at 6:23 amI am truly sorry for your loss, what really comforted me in my time of loss is the scripture@ Revelation 21:3&4 . Which gives us the wonderful promise of God wiping out every tear from our eyes and death being no more. I hope this promise from Jehovah will truly bring your family much comfort at this time.
Miciah Foreman says
May 30, 2019 at 9:38 amI’m very sorry for your loss. I found comfort from Revelation 2:4. There God promises that death will soon be no more.