Bernice Vivian (Brown) Jacobs

Our Beloved Bernice Vivian (Brown) Jacobs was born on April 28, 1942 in Sparta, North Carolina to the late Walter & Vivian Brown, Sr. She was the second oldest of ten children. She departed this life quietly and peacefully on December 7, 2020. We were not ready but God makes no mistakes.

At an early age the family moved to West Virginia. The family then returned to Sparta, North Carolina, which she affectionately referred to as “home”. She attended and graduated from Lincoln Heights High School in Wilkesboro, North Carolina in 1960. Following graduation, she attended West Virginia State University where she majored in Business Administration. In 1962 she decided to leave North Carolina and move to New Jersey. It was at work where she met and married the love of her life, Donald Jacobs. From this union two children were born, Stanley Maurice and Lisa Antoinette. Additionally, she gained two bonus children from Donald’s previous marriage, Donald Tilghman & Doreen Elizabeth.

She professed her love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparta, North Carolina. She loved her “home” church and remained a member. She was also a member of the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey for over forty years. While there she faithfully served on the Missionary, Gospel Choir & Trustee Ministries.

In 1976 she began working at the Paterson Board of Education. She remained there until 2005 having held several positions before retirement.

Bernice loved to vacation with her late husband, spend time with her children and grandchildren and to go “home” to Sparta. Whatever activities her grandchildren were in, whether it was Football, Track, Dance Recitals or Band, they could count on their Meme to attend with a proud smile. The relationship she shared with them was priceless.

We take comfort in knowing that she is happy to be joining her beloved Donald along with her parents and siblings who preceded her in death. She is survived by her two children, Stanley & Lisa (Gene) of Willow Grove PA; two bonus children, Donald & Doreen of Syracuse, NY; 8 grandchildren: Marvel, Donald Tilghman, Jr., Sorroya, Isaiah, Emmitt, Leah, Sydney and Ryan; two sisters, Regina (Ronald) of Clarksville, TN and Venia (Goldie) of New Carrollton, MD; four brothers, Walter, Jr (Cheryl) of Bristol, VA, Doug (Vera) and Alvin of Sparta, NC and Steve of North Wilkesboro, NC along with a host of loving neighbors, friends, church members, nieces, nephews and cousins.

We rejoice in knowing that we will one day see her again.

A gathering for family and loved ones will be held Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 from 10:00 until 10:30 am at Thomas Family Funeral Service, 115 Hawthorne Street, Sparta, NC.

A Private Graveside Service to honor the life of Mrs. Jacobs will be held at Macedonia Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Sparta.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to either Mount Bethel Baptist Church, 399 South Broad Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 or Macedonia Baptist Church, 1577 Macedonia Church Road, Sparta, NC, 28675.

Thomas Family Funeral Service is honored to be serving the Jacobs and Brown Family. If you wish, online tributes may be extended to the family at www.thomasfamilyfs.com.

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