Bernice Lee Thomas Bearden was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing the piano all of her life. The daughter of a music teacher, Annie Coleman Lee and Milton C. Lee, Bernice was born August 7, 1912 in Stroud, AL. She died peacefully Sunday November 21, 2004 at the age of 92 after a decline in health since June. For the past few years, she resided at Savannah Court of Marietta, where she continued to enjoy playing her piano until the past year. After studying music at Berry College in Rome, she moved to Atlanta in 1934 and married Charles M. Thomas, Jr. of Atlanta. They had three children, the late Charles M. Thomas, III and 2 daughters, Gloria and Patsy. They resided in Atlanta where Bernice became involved in garden, church and civic organizations. On many occasions, Bernice provided music for social events, fashion shows at Rich's and weddings. After her beloved husband's death in 1967, Bernice enjoyed working part-time as a sales associate in the music department at the downtown Rich's store. Her customers enjoyed her enthusiasm for her work. In 1972, Bernice married long-time family friend, James C. Bearden, Sr. of Atlanta. They resided in Marietta and spent seven enjoyable years together before Mr. Bearden passed away. Bernice continued to reside in Marietta. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta. She recorded many cassette tapes of her music, which her grandson converted to a CD recently. She enjoyed other hobbies of gardening, sewing and participating in the activities at the Marietta Senior Center with her friends and neighbors. Bernice was a true extrovert and is remembered by her family and friends as always paying compliments to everyone she met. Bernice is survived by her devoted daughters and their families, Gloria and Jerry Colley of Lilburn; Patsy and Jim North of Gainesville, FL; and her 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; one sister, Catherine Lee Brown of Five Points, AL, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 24 at 1pm at Wages Snellville Chapel with Dr. Wendell B. Phillips officiating. Interment Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 11am until service time, at the funeral home. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, Inc., Snellville Chapel, 770-979-3200

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Nov. 23, 2004.