Bernice Vernelle (Boyd) Davis

Bernice Vernelle Boyd Davis, age 89, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on January 24, 2021. Bernice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and “DeeDee” to her ten great-grandchildren, as well as a lover of all things bread-and-butter.

Bernice was born on February 8, 1931, in Amelia, Virginia. After spending her childhood in the Amelia area, Bernice worked at the Amelia Post Office. In 1950, she married James Davis. During their many happy decades together, Bernice and James lived in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia, before settling in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While living in Tuscaloosa, Bernice worked as a Data Operator at Bryce Hospital. Upon retirement, Bernice and James moved to the Birmingham area so they could be closer to family and more easily spoil their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family will fondly remember DeeDee for her warm smile, gracious spirit, and thoughtfulness for others.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, James Emanuel Davis; her parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Zane Parrish Boyd; her brothers, Alexander Boyd, Jr. and Bernard Boyd; and her sister, Mary Boyd Hastings. She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Doris Boyd Bates; her brother, Frederick Melvin Boyd; her children, James E. Davis, Jr. (Beverly) and Cynthia Simons; her grandchildren, Jamie Herrington (Lindsay), Nick Simons (Annie), Christopher Herrington (Megan), Jennifer Davis, Allison Blackburn (Justin), and Stacy Davis; and her great-grandchildren, Kenley, William, Truitt, Tilden, Brooks, Isaac, Nora, Alex, Amelia, and Ellie. 

Bernice will lie in state for viewing from 11 AM – 1PM on Saturday, January 30, at Hillsman-Hix Funeral Home in Amelia. She will be laid to rest in a private graveside service. Friends and family are invited to make donations in Bernice’s memory to your local food bank of choice, or the Jimmie Hale Mission, P.O. Box 10472, Birmingham, AL 35202. 

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