Bernice Wright was born on May 11, 1955, the first child born of the late George Curtis Wright and Thelma Marie Wright in Cleveland, Ohio. Bernice courageously departed this earthly life on November 17, 2022, at Marymount Hospital following an extended period of illness.
Bernice accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church, under the late Rev. Emanuel Branch in 1966.

Bernice attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1973. After high school. Bernice attended Bowling Green State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977. Bernice was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Bernice was employed as a special education teacher in the Akron Public Schools until illness forced her to retire early. After retiring from teaching, she became a licensed real estate agent and enjoyed a brief career as a real estate professional. Bernice devoted many years of service to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, where she poured into the lives of young girls as a troop leader. Later on, in her life, she worked for Amedeo’s Florist in Akron, where she was able to put her creative skills on display, designing special occasion flower arrangements.

Bernice’s daughter Cherika, was the great joy of her life. As an only child, Cherika was nurtured to be very independent and encouraged to express herself without reservation. This feisty, matter-of-fact, way of expression, has clearly been passed on to Bernice’s two granddaughters. In 1986, Bernice married Michael Vinson. They enjoyed many years together and even though the marriage eventually ended in divorce, they remained close friends until her passing.
One of the many blessings that colored the life of Bernice Wright was the additional 22 years of life she was given, following her heart transplant on February 12, 2000. Her friends and family knew this date as her “second birthday” and often sent cards and well wishes to commemorate the miracle.

Bernice was especially creative and was an avid crafter. She was known for designing special flower arrangements, scrapbooks, and figurines. She also enjoyed gardening and even this past summer, could often be found outside on the deck watering her tomatoes, peppers, flowers, and herbs. Bernice loved animals. She always had a pet, or two, or three, or four! She also loved going to the casino and had a knack for the win with the slot machines. Interestingly, the casino was one place that seemed to inspire increased energy on good days. Bernice was a great cook and she loved to eat. She always ate slowly and deliberately and was affectionately known for putting buffets out of business!
Bernice truly adored her two granddaughters, Johnnie (Fuss) and Kennedy. These two girls always brought a smile to her face, even when the challenges of her illness had her feeling pretty bad. She loved to talk about them and share all that they were doing and how smart they are.

Bernice leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Thelma Wright; her daughter, Cherika (John) Blake; her two grand-daughters: Johnnie Larae and Kennedy Alise; her sister Launa (Enos) Ali; her brother Anthony (Tanya) Wright; a devoted caregiver, and friend, Toni Sisson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.