Obituary

Bernice Smith Boaz, of Signal Mountain, TN passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010. She was born Constance Bernice Smith on January 5, 1924, to Annie and Charles Walter Smith in Sewanee, TN. Bernice was the second to youngest of 12 children. She moved with her family to Chattanooga, TN in the 1930s and graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1942.

Bernice met Raymond Martin Boaz Sr. on a blind date on December 10, 1941 and the couple celebrated that anniversary every year. They were married on February 9, 1945 at Fort Oglethorpe, GA and embarked on a 65 yearlong love affair that saw them settle first in East Ridge, TN and then on Signal Mountain, TN in 1959. Bernice was a loving and doting wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who took immense pride in her family. She was an accomplished seamstress who could easily replicate any dress that caught her eye and created numerous Easter, Christmas, Birthday, prom, May Day and party dresses that have been admired and passed down through the family. She was most proud of the hand stitched christening gown that she created for her first grandchild and that has been worn now by two generations of the Boaz family.

Bernice loved sports, particularly golf, tennis and Tennessee football. For over 50 years she and Ray spent fun weekends in Knoxville, TN with good friends and family attending the games. Their tailgate parties were legendary!

Bernice was also an accomplished cook who without a cookbook or recipe could create amazing family dinners or the most lavish parties. When asked for her recipe for cornbread dressing she remarked "there is no recipe - it just happens". Her homemade applesauce and sweet potato casserole were favorites of her grandchildren. In fact, her sweet potato casserole has served as birthday cake on many an occasion.

Bernice is survived by her loving husband, Raymond Martin Boaz Sr. and her four children, Brenda Boaz Kelly and her husband, Tyler; Raymond Martin Boaz Jr. and his wife, Diane; Charles William Boaz; and Constance Boaz Woods and her husband, Joe. Bernice was Mom B to six remarkable grandchildren, Sharon Boaz Deaver; Elizabeth Boaz Burnette and her husband, Chad; Katherine Boaz Santola and her husband, Jason; Robert Charles Boaz; Raymond Martin Boaz III; and Daniel Link Boaz. She was also Mom B to two sweet great-grandchildren, Finley Constance Burnette and Sophia Kate Santola.

Bernice is also survived by five sisters, Abbie Morris, Minnie McCall, Elsie Daffron, Charlotte Ziegler and Corrine Bradakis along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates the great care and support shown to Bernice by Hospice of Chattanooga.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bernice's memory to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Visitation with the family will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Wann Funeral Home, 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga, TN. Following a private burial at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 3 p.m. Monday, February 8, 2010 at Signal Crest United Methodist Church, 1005 Ridgeway Avenue, Signal Mountain, TN 37377, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m.