J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

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Fisher, Bernice P.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Fisher, Bernice Poppa of Colonial Heights, VA, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2008. Born in Ettrick, VA, she was the daughter of the late Vincent Henry and Fannie Granger Poppa. She is survived by her husband, James C. Fisher; her daughter, Sandra Fisher Ciofani and her husband, Richard, of Chesterfield; her sister-in-law and dearest friend, Ella Mae Fisher, of Dinwiddie; her nieces, Sylvia Poppa, of Richmond, and Robin Fisher Beckwith, of Petersburg; her nephew, Harold Fisher, of Hampton; her two step-grandsons, Brian Ciofani and his wife, Denise, of Lexington, NC, and Douglas Ciofani, of Richmond; her step-great granddaughter, Zia Dawn Ciofani, of Lexington, NC; her cat, Tom and her grand-dog, Clyde. Bernice loved the Lord and her church. She was a member and honorary deacon of Walnut Hill Baptist Church, where she served as church librarian for many years. She also served as Director of the Petersburg Media Library Association. Bernice was a graduate of Petersburg High School and the Petersburg Hospital School of Nursing. She retired, as an industrial nurse, from Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company. She was a member of the Federated Woman’s Club of Petersburg and the AARP. Bernice loved cooking and published her own cookbook, “The Golden Gourmet”. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, at Walnut Hill Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 24, at Walnut Hill Baptist Church, with interment at Prospect Christian Church in Dinwiddie, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the Jennifer Nix Nursing Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2052, Chester, VA 23831. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Condolences

Bernice,she was truly a Angel here on earth,beautiful inside and out with such a compassionate Spirit.I will never forget how she took care of us when we needed her,and when she stayed with my beloved grandma Miss Irene.How I love hearing the grand old stories Bernice told me of my relatives who were here long before I was born,and the Family Tree research Bernice prepared for me along with memory items and her cookbook will always be treasured.My thoughts and prayers are with you Sandy and Jimmy, may God bless you always as He has blessed me in knowing Aunt Bernice.Sandy my Tennis Partner at the Gym,Barry Mclean, wish to send his condolence also

Posted by: Joy Lynne Burton at October 25, 2008 01:39 AM

Jimmy, Sandy, Richard:
I would like to offer my condolences in the loss of our dearest friend Bernice. Bernice has been my loyal friend and nursing mentor for many years. The pleasure was all mine in knowing her, spending time with her, and eating her fine cooking. I have her cookbook, THE GOLDEN GOURMET her recipes I have prepared and now her memories will be heartfelt. Bernice's favorite Bible scripture PROVERBS 31. PORTRAIT OF IDEAL WOMAN THE WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER. Bernice is "AN INSPIRATION TO BE ALL YOU CAN BE." We all can learn from BERNICE POPPA FISHER. Bernice posses all the characteristics of a NOBLE WOMAN, hard work, she feared God, she loves the church, respected her spouse, she gave encouragement to all, she cared for others, had concern for the poor, wisdom in handling finances, these qualities coupled with fear of God lead to enjoyment, success, honor and worth. Bernice went to be with Our Lord on October 20, 2008. She had a scripture calendar on her night stand, which was read to her daily by her loved ones. The scripture that day Ecclesiastes 3:1 THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING, AND A SEASON FOR EVERY ACTIVITY UNDER HEAVEN. (NIV) God has a plan for all people. The secret to peace is to discover and accept God's perfect timing. God provides us cycles of life, each with its work for us to do. Bernice would want us to remember. God has given us work to do, realize that the fruit of our labor is a gift from God. God wants us to enjoy life. Bernice knew that real pleasure is found in enjoying whatever we have as gifts from God, not in what we accumulate. Bernice shared WISDOM, RICHES, PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT mattered very little after death. We must not build our lives on personal pursuits, but on the FOUNDATION OF GOD. Sandy, thank you for all your love and kindness in sharing your mother with other people. Bernice's death has brought life to all those who ever met her. Bernice fought a good fight and her memories we will cherish. I will cherish my first telephone conversation with Bernice and her last words I LOVE YOU. As, I continue my life here on earth, I pray God will continue to teach me daily on HELPING PEOPLE and LOVING GOD. I pray Jennifer Nix will honor the Nurse's Creed, as Bernice honored.
IN MEMORY OF
BERNICE POPPA FISHER

sincerely, a dear friend

Posted by: Patricia Pletcher at October 23, 2008 10:28 AM

I realize there is very little one can do or say at a time like this.
But, I do want you to know you have my deepest sympathy.
God needed another angel so he called Bernice home.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Bishop (Mrs. Garland Bishop, Jr.)

Posted by: Elizabeth Bishop at October 22, 2008 10:31 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bernice was a special friend.

Gaynelle & Oliver Pamplin

Posted by: Gaynelle & Oliver Pampllin at October 22, 2008 11:25 AM

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