Bernice was the third child of six siblings born to Ben and Willie Cellious Whorton on September 5, 1928 in Mexia, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Alexandra Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Butcher and later under her father Reverend Ben Whorton. Bernice was educated in the Mexia School District. She moved to Dallas in the 1940's working as a pastry cook for Neiman Marcus, Dobb House at Love Field. Bernice later worked for the U.S. Postal Services for over 20 years until her retirement in 1997.

She married Alonzo Smith in 1969. She united with Greater Garth Chapel and was a faithful member until her health began to fail.

She is survived by four daughters Carolyn Goodjoint, Helen Jackson, Evelyn Dancer, Willie Joyce Whorton; two stepdaughters, Marshall Ford and Sabrina Ford; three sons, Cecil Johnson, Ronald Johnson and Donald Johnson (twins), 20 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 20 great, great grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Nixon and Cellious Louise Taylor and a host of friends, nieces, nephews, cousins and church family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, one sister and one step-daughter.

You may visit Mrs. Bernice Smith as she lies in slumber on Friday, March 1, 2013 2-9PM at Evergreen Funeral Home.

The homegoing celebration will commence on Saturday, March 2, 2013 11:00AM at Greater Garth AME Chapel, 2828 Carpenter Street, Dallas, Texas.