Bernice Dates was born on May 1, 1933 in Vance, Mississippi. She was the youngest of seven children born to Will and Florence Arnold.
At a very young age, Bernice met and fell in love with J.C. Dates whom she married on December 15, 1949. Shortly afterward they left Mississippi and migrated to Gary, Indiana with their children; Jerry and Jessie. While living in Gary, Indiana, Eddie, James, Jimmie and Michelle were born.
Nineteen years later, Bernice moved to Chicago with her adult children. She worked for ITT making the first personal computer boards in the seventies where she later retired. She was an active member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Donald L. Parson. She chose to express her love of the Lord through song and became a member of the vocal group. Through this talent she was able to fellowship with others and spread her love of the Lord through song.
Quite often, death sends no summons before, but floats on hushed footsteps to all. Thus, he came to our beloved one on Friday, February 24, 2017, where she heard God say, "WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. YOU HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL SET YOU OVER MANY THINGS. ENTER INTO THE JOY OF YOUR LORD."
Waiting to welcome her to Heaven are: her parents, husband, brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren: Will, Florence, J.C. Dates, Major, Esker, Willie Mae, Florence, Tommie Lee, Mary, Jerry, Eddie, Michelle, Regina and Lynette. She leaves behind to celebrate her life: daughter, Jessie Dates; sons: James Dates and Jimmie Dates; sister-in- laws: Margaret Meeks, Jessie Ellis, and Earlene Rideout; nieces and nephew: Katie Starnes, Tommy(Evelyn) Meeks, Billie (Lola) Parham, Richard (Barbara) Meeks, Lindbergh Meeks Jr., Cedric Meeks, Tommie Lee Arnold, Esker Arnold, Tonya Jones, and Ozzie Wright; cousins: Richard Brown, Sadie Brown, Effie McNeal, and Emma Williams; grandchildren: Quenette (George) Alsup whom she raised; Rev. Larry (Chi) Dates, Cassandra (Kevin) Dates-Shipp, Nikki Dates, Lindsey Dates, Monique (Rickey) Bearden, Rev. Dr. Charlie E. (Kirstie) Dates, Hanson Dates, Jason Dates, Jessica Dates, Little Jimmie Dates; great-grandchild, Laryncia Dates; great-great-grandchildren: Charlie E. Dates II, Claire Dates, and Michelle Alsup. Bernice also leaves behind an extended family, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends whom she loved unconditionally.

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