Bernice Newsom

Our Lord and Savior called Bernice home on February 14, 2024, after a long debilitating illness. 

Bernice was the 2^nd child of the late Styvestant and Marion Hartley, born December 14, 1936, in Harlem, New York. 

Bernice moved with her parents and siblings to Gordon Heights, New York in the early 1940’s. She attended the Port Jefferson School District for elementary school through high school, graduating in June 1953.  

While attending Port Jefferson High School, she met the love of her life, Odell (Bo) Newsom Jr. They married on December 26, 1953, and their union lasted 50 years until Odell’s passing in March 2004. From that union, they born/adopted 6 children, honored with 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great, great-grandchild.  

Bernice was a nurse by profession and a caregiver by heart and strength to her family, friends, and anyone in need of assistance.  She spoke her mind and backed it up with her actions.  

Bernice accepted the Lord at an early age and called on him daily during Odell’s career in the Navy, while raising her children and especially during the trials, tribulations, and health concerns later in life until the very end. She instilled the love of the God in her children and grandchildren.  

Prior to her illness, Bernice was very active at Community Baptist Church, serving on many committees and helping with youth activities.  She was the Recording Secretary for the Albert Tinnie Senior Club. She was an avid seamstress, loved to read and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  

Bernice leaves in God’s care her children, Denise, Allen, Sheila, Jennifer, Fashic (Bianca), Jasmine, grandchildren, (great-grandchildren)  Stephanie ( Devon, Shane), Anthony ( Mailyn, Donovan), Keith ( Keith Jr, Kiera, Kavonte, Khamori), Kiameshia ( Trinity, Tyriek), Stacey ( Gabriel, Mia), Tosh ( Tosh, Jordyn, Jaylah, Jayvian), Toshon, Stanley ( Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jada, Aaliyah) , Seth, Darius ( Aliyah, Arianna), Ebony (Norah), Dandre, Tiara, Kailyn, and Kaiden; one daughter in law- Natalie Newsom, two sons in law- David Baker, Kent Dantes; two granddaughters in law, Michelle Battle, Marissa Baker, two grandsons in law, Sean Cassidy, Thomas Travers; two sisters- Elaine Archie, Frances Dykes,  one brother and sister in law  and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and other family and friends. 

May she rest in eternal peace.