Bernice Braswell, 89, of Rock Hill, SC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Bernice was born on May 21, 1936, in Spruce Pine, NC, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her unwavering love and infectious laughter.
Friends and family are invited to gather at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, located at 195 Gouges Creek Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, at 2 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025. A service will follow at 3 PM, with burial immediately after in the church cemetery.
Bernice was the heart of her family, a source of joy and warmth who shared countless stories that will forever be cherished. She had a unique ability to find humor in everyday moments, like the time she gave her car a “free wash” using a broken fire hydrant. Her spirit was as bright as her laughter, and she loved fiercely. Nothing mattered more to her than God and her family, and her legacy will continue to shine in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Fisher and Lela Buchanan; her husband, Slite S. Braswell; her children, Michael C. Braswell (Linda), Jerry (JuJu) A. Braswell (Donna), infant daughter, Donna G. Braswell and infant daughter Angela Braswell; and her siblings, Maxine McCarthy (Pat) and Lawrence Fisher (Freda).
She is survived by her daughter, Lela V. Braswell; her grandchildren, Denisha Holloway (Tyler), Rev. RJ Smith (Brandee), Christina Elkins (Tommy), John Braswell (Chrystal), Tiffany Alexander, Michael Shane Braswell (Flora), and Shannon L. Braswell (Tim); her siblings, Dorthy Grundy (Tom) ; Stella Thomas (Wayne) ; Leila Ballew (Mike-proceded), along with 25 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
“There are a million momma/mawmaw stories we threatened to tell when she went home to her heavenly father but never enough time. Just like the one time she washed her whole car in a broken fire hydrant for a “free car wash”. There would never be enough time to make good on our threats :). She loved beyond measure and laughed even harder. She was the light that kept our family shining. Nothing was more important in her life than God and family. She will always be missed, loved, and cherished deeply. Have fun dancing in the heavens.”
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net