Daye, Bernice Elmyra Franklin (Age 78) of Indian Head (Nanjemoy), Maryland.

On Friday, January 6, 2012, Deaconess Bernice E. Daye departed this life at Civista Medical Center, LaPlata, Maryland with her daughter Jamarra by her side. She was born on May 10, 1933 in Nanjemoy, Maryland to the late Mary E. Linkins and the late George Lawson.

She was educated in the Charles County public school system graduating from Pomonkey High School. She worked at the University of Maryland Co-operative Extension as a Certified Food and Nutritionist Aide retiring in 1998 after 20 years of dedicated service.

Bernice was baptized at the Mount Hope Baptist Church in 1938 under the leadership of Rev. C. R. Alexander. She restored her membership in April 1966 under the leadership of Rev. Rodney L. Young. Bernice was very committed to her church and to her Lord. She joined the Deaconess Ministry in 1979, the Senior Usher Board in 1967, was a faithful member of the Prayer Band since 1974 and attended bible classes faithfully. Bernice served as President of the Helping Hand Ministry since it was formed in 1974 (37 years). Oftentimes she would give her testimony in song on Sunday mornings during the devotion period.

She enjoyed cooking, singing and most of all talking on the phone finding out how others were doing. She enjoyed spending time with family, visiting friends and talking about the goodness of the Lord.

In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by a brother Johnny Linkins.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband Eugene S. Daye whom she affectionately loved and cared for; a devoted daughter, Jamarra Mitchell-Wells; two brothers-in-laws, Earl and Robert Daye and a host of family and friends.

Viewing, 9am until time of Service, 11am on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 8705 Gilroy Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland. Interment, Church Cemetery.

Arrangements, Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.