Bernice Lewis

Bernice Lewis, 85, of Albany, NY, passed away on January 31st, 2025, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY after a short illness.

Bernice was born on December 25th, 1939, in Gallion, Alabama to Clinton Smith and Lucy (Glass) Jackson. In 1950, her mother and stepfather relocated to Albany, NYbringing along Bernice and her six siblings. She attended Albany City Schools and graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1960. After graduation, Bernice began her career as a home/personal care aide which she continued until 2022. She was a dedicated employee of Attentive Care Services for over 29 years. 

On May 10, 1963, Bernice married the love of her life, the late Philip L. Lewis. Together, they were blessed with three children, Jackie Rivera, Philip Lewis Jr. and Rashawn Lewis. The couple traveled with their two children Jackie and Philip Jr. to various countries as part of Philip Sr.’s enlistment in the U.S. Navy. Bernice and Philip were married for 20 years until his passing in 1983.

Bernice was a dedicated member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. At Union Missionary, she served faithfully in the choir, regularly attended church services and Sunday school. Bernice’s dedication to God and her beautiful personality will forever live in the heart of those she left behind.

She is survived by her daughter Jackie A. Rivera and sons Philip L. Lewis Jr. and Rashawn E. Lewis. She leaves to mourn in her passing: brother Joseph Jackson Jr. of Watervliet, NY; son-in law Liborio Rivera; grandchildrenHarold, Asia, Natasha Gaines, and Nayana Brown of Albany, NY and Ryan Boswell of Buffalo, NY; her great grandchildren Niya and Noah Pringle and Amelia Daweof Albany, NY. She also leaves to mourn behind her many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her close friend of over 65 years, Barbara Fuller of Schenectady, NY. She will be reunited with her parents, husband, brothers Ben, John, and Otis Jackson, sisters Iola Jackson and Arsola(Doll) Crenshaw, nephews Willie Pompey, Keith Williams and Kenneth Jackson. 

Bernice lived a life full of love and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

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