Bernice L. Raiford

Published 12:32 pm Monday, December 28, 2015

FRANKLIN — Bernice Lowe Raiford, 87, widow of Hubert R. Raiford, passed away on Dec. 27, 2015.

Bernice L. Raiford

Mrs. Raiford was a native of Southampton County and was a daughter of the late Sylvanius Floyd Lowe and Ida Pond Lowe, and was predeceased by a daughter, Linda R. Respess, and two brothers, Cecil Lowe and J.B. Lowe.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother and sister. Mrs. Raiford was a lifelong member of Black Creek Baptist Church. She was retired from Southampton Memorial Hospital after many years of service as a housekeeping supervisor. Bernice was also well known by many in the community from her time working at Bristow’s and Strickland’s. She was a woman of faith and a friend to all.

Left to cherish her memory are one daughter, Wendy R. Ogburn (Carl); one son, Donald R. Raiford (Sue Ann); one sister, Thelma R. Raiford, one brother, Sedric Lowe; three grandchildren, Amy Davio, Taylor Ogburn and Gracen Ogburn; one step-grandchild, Ron Whitley; two great grandchildren, Hailey and Joseph Davio; and the other children that called Bernice “Nanny:” Brian and Mark Grauman, Edy, Erica and Ada Gardner.

The funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, in Black Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Greg Kitts officiating. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, and at other times at Donnie and Sue Ann’s residence.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made to Black Creek Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.