Bernice Burrell Peterson

Very quietly and peacefully, on Thursday, August 19, 2021, Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom, mercy, and grace, gently closed the eyes of His beloved Bernice Burrell Peterson at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Hospital in Richmond, VA. She was born on April 17, 1927 in Middlesex County Virginia. She was the youngest daughter of 10 to the late James H. and Jennie C. Burrell. At an early age, she was baptized and joined the Union Shiloh Baptist Church in Laneview, VA. She received her education at the Middlesex County Schools. Bernice was preceded in death by siblings: James T. Burrell, Ida B. Jackson, Linnell Burrell, Sr., Francis Burrell, Johnny L. Burrell, Fannie Carter, Abraham L. Burrell, Sr., and Maria B. Tuppings. In 1940's she met and married her first husband, Clyde Miller, who preceded her in death from a car accident. She later married Liston "Bunky" Peterson who also preceded her in death. She attended the cosmetology school and became a license beautician in the early 50’s. Family, friends and many ladies from the surrounding area sought her hair dressing skills in her home-based beauty shop. She took pride in her work and you always left with a style that was beautiful and long lasting. Her skills at handling a straightening comb and twirling those hot curlers were phenomenal and amazing to watch. Also, the idea of ever burning a customer's scalp was slim to none! That's just how good she was. After many years of pressing and curling, she finally gave it up. Bernice was also an entrepreneur when she opened a business in Center Cross that later became known as the Starlite Inn. Having no children of her own, she always showed great love and care for children. She became a mother when she raised her nephew Tyrone Burrell from an infant. She and her first husband, Clyde Miller, took him in and raised him as their own. They also adopted and raised a daughter, Corine Jordan, who preceded her in death in 2018. She was fondly known by her grandchildren as "Big Momma". Bernice also had a hand in raising her great niece, Sharnay Coles from an infant until she turned 4 years old and she returned every summer until she turned 16. Bernice was also a foster mother to five school-aged children in the 1970's and kept them until they were placed in permanent homes. Bernice loved family and enjoyed cooking for the holidays. You would hear her say from time to time, "Lord, I gotta get some food in this house," even though the freezer and pantry was full. She took joy in always cooking enough for the family and anyone who would drop by. She loved having company and entertaining family and friends. Her favorite past times were piecing together jigsaw puzzles and playing cards with family and friends. She will be remembered for her catch phrases like, "Great day in the morning!" and "Right-O!", and her most well-known "I know it's the truth!" She leaves to mourn a devoted son, Tyrone Burrell (Dena) of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughtes, Tracey Roye (Dwayne), Hyattsville, MD, . and Jazmine Short of Philadelphia, PA; grandsons: Keith M. Miller (Patricia Dovalier) of Iselin, New Jersey, Walter "Tashan" Jordan of Hyattsville, MD and Bernard Burrell, Jr.; eight great grandchildren: Keith M. Miller, Jr., Shamir Townsend, Cam’ron Jordan, Jasmine (Tati) Miller; Jason, Kaiden, Sebastian McCall and Jatiah "Tia"Paige; three great-great grandchildren: Donta Miller, Darnell Miller, and Halia Townsend-Stokes; one brother; Tiny Burrell of Philadelphia, PA and one sister-in-law, Mary J. Burrell, of Tappahannock, VA. She will also be greatly missed by a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, as well as her card playing friends. Special thanks to everyone who helped her whenever they could and especially to her dedicated nieces, LeVern Miller and Mary (Be-Be) Gaines, who took care of her until her passing. A funeral service will be held 11AM Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, VA 23181. A visitation will take place from 6PM-8PM Friday, August 27,2021 at the funeral home. Interment to follow service in Union Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bernice Burrell Peterson

April 17, 1927 - August 19, 2021