Bernice Guyton, born on July 4, 1934, in Thomas County, Georgia, was a cherished daughter to James “Mitchell” Johnson, Sr., and Adell Moore Davis.

 

She accepted Christ at an early age while attending Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Metcalf, Georgia, and in 1973, she united with St. Matthews Freewill Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Woodley. She dedicated her life as a servant for many years. She served on many ministries at the church, but the ministry she loved the most was aiding her pastor (Pastors Aid Ministry). In this ministry, she served for over fifty years.

 

In her youth, Bernice completed her education in the Thomas County, Georgia, educational system and later went on to marry the love of her life, Scott Guyton, Sr. (US Air Force), in 1950. She got a chance to travel throughout the United States, adding value to her cultural essence of being a peoples’ person. In the late ‘50s, she moved to Miami and attended the Sunlight Beauty School, where she became a licensed cosmetologist. She pursued a hair career using her creativity and skills to bring beauty and confidence to others. Over the years, she worked numerous jobs, one of which was as a domestic worker. She finally found her passion, which was cooking, and utilized her skills as a cook at Nat’s Restaurant to provide for her family. Her skillset for cooking morphed into providing delicious food for her church, family, friends, and upon request, neighbors, programs, picnics, and parties. Throughout her life, she had many hobbies besides cooking that she enjoyed such as fishing, crocheting, and gardening.

 

Bernice has now joined the ranks with her late parents, James “Mitchell” Johnson, Sr., and Adell Moore Davis, and late siblings, Geneva Davis Wright, James T. Davis, Jr., Lillie Ruth Davis-Lewis, Ralph Davis, Lawrence Jones, James Johnson, Flossie Lamarr, Samuel Johnson, and Pauline Austin.

 

Bernice leaves behind to cherish her memories: two daughters, Yvonne Reese (John) and Wendy Guyton; and daughter-in-law, Sherron Guyton; three sons, Scott Guyton (Pat), Eddie Guyton (Rosetta), and Anthony Guyton; surviving siblings, consisting of five sisters, Vera Mae Watson of Miami, FL, Isabell Prophet of Miami, FL, Eddie Belle Davis of Rochester, NY, Johnny Mae McCall of Thomasville, GA, Shirley Cherelus of Miramar, FL, and one brother, William Davis of Thomasville, GA;  God son, Nathan Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, loving relatives, dear friends, and caring neighbors, including the entire St. Matthews Freewill Baptist Church Family.

 

Bernice’s legacy lives on through the love, strength, and faith that will forever be cherished by her family and all who knew her. She touched lives with her kindness, unwavering faith, and vibrant spirit. While her absence leaves a void, her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who were blessed to know her. Rest in peace Bernice Guyton. You are immensely loved and will never be forgotten.