Bernice (Branch) McMillan

Mrs. Bernice Branch McMillan, 97, of Southern Pines, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care in West End, North Carolina.

Mrs. Bernice Branch McMillan, was born in Lumberton NC, August 21, 1925, to the late Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Lular Inman Branch.  Sunday, July 30, 2023, as the evening approached, she was peacefully being transported to an amazingly tranquil and beautiful new care facility.  But as beautiful as these earthly accommodations were, it was not to be.  She heard and answered the gentle call to her Savior and gracefully transitioned to her heavenly home to be with the Lord.

“Bern” as she was affectionately referred to by her sons, and Ms. Berice or Grandma Bernice by others and grands, had 7 brothers and 2 sisters, which placed her as the middle daughter.  Her early educational development was spent at Redstone Academy (Lumberton), where she excelled as a student.  Her love for education and learning, lead her to enroll in a post-secondary pursuit, at the Raleigh Institute, now known as Shaw University, to train as a beauty and hair stylist.  Her academic ambition was recognized for only a brief 2 years, due to the heartbreak of losing her father on Father’s day, which sadly impacted her decision to resign and return home, to assist her beloved mother.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, She joined Chrysolite A.M.E. Zion Church at an early age becoming the church pianist, an accomplished vocalist and church secretary.  She willingly committed her life to following Jesus, and would often encourage others to do the same.

During an illness, which became an extended hospital stay, she met and subsequently married her soul mate; the handsome and confident, Eugene McMillan, of Laurinburg NC.  Through their GOD-Kissed union, they welcomed 3 sons.  Upon moving to Moore County, she continued her Christian journey, by joining and becoming an active member of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church.

She was in several auxiliaries and loved being a Sunday school teacher and choir member.  One of her precious accomplishments, came during a consecration ceremony, witnessed by family members, where she received the distinction of Deaconess.  Her joy on that faithful day, could only be matched by her genuine love for her family and compassion to anyone needing encouragement or food.

When her health permitted, she was an avid gardener, seamstress and cook.  These attributes were evident by the gardens she planted, the crocheting of miniature doll shoes, as well as the enormous family dinners during the holidays.  She was definitely the matriarch of her biological family, but also to her church family.

As her earthly presence was felt, so will it be greatly missed and cherished by her family and friends.  She leaves her blessed memories to her beloved children, Curtis E. (Hattie) of Greensboro, NC; Carson C. of Winston Salem, NC; Andrew K. (Gwen) of Rock Hill, SC; One Sister, Mrs. Ann Branch Wooten of Fayetteville, NC.  Additionally, she was blessed with 18 Grandchildren; 34 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends to complete her family circle.

She considered herself to be the mother to 4 other outstanding men, who she loved and respected her as such; Artis Powell, Southern Pines, NC; Amos Ferguson, Kernersville, NC; Charles Gibson, Sarasota, FL and Dennis Newkirk, Boston, MA.  Expression of extended affection is offered to Mrs. Sedra Alston of Southern Pines, NC and Mrs. Glenice Reid Washington of Stockbridge, GA for your dedicated friendship shared with our dear mother.  You are Greatly Appreciated!

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Bernice Branch McMillan in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.