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RICH SQUARE – Bernice Elizabeth Gatling Scott, 89 of Rich Square, NC passed away on July 19, 2022 at her residence.

Bernice, a consummate educator and outspoken advocate for people, was born March 12, 1933 to the parents of Lee Sanders Gatling and Alberta Boyce Gatling in Rich Square, N.C.

She attended W.S.Creecy School as an elementary and high school student graduating with honors in 1950. As a young woman whose thirst for knowledge and joy of learning wouldn’t let her settle for just a high school diploma, Bernice matriculated to Elizabeth City State University in pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree and later attained a Master’s degree in Education from North Carolina A&T State University. Later in life, Bernice’s love for the Lord led her to pursue and attain a doctoral degree in Ministry. She loved talking about God’s goodness and how He had sustained her through the years.

Bernice had a bevy of suitors growing up, but the one that captured her heart was Lafayette Scott whom she married on July 31, 1954. To this union was born their beloved son Michael Ricardo Scott in 1956. Michael was the apple of her eye and the memories of his kind and gentle spirit inspired her to continue his dream of spreading the gospel. For she knew that “earth has no sorrow that Heaven could not heal.” Michael’s spiritual presence remained with her till the very end.

Being led by the spirit, she was very civic and community minded, Bernice was an avid church worker who loved to sponsor events throughout the year, but especially during Black History Month. She was a member and a participant in quite a few organizations, but more specifically the Silverlette Club, The Links and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Bernice was a phenomenal teacher and she never missed an opportunity to inspire youth. Many of her students have fond memories of her being the wind beneath their wings. Being firm and a no nonsense teacher, she motivated her students to be the best that they could be. She taught at Rich Square School and W.S.Creecy for many years and after dedicated service she retired from the Northampton County School system in 1989. She was preceded in death by her father, Lee; her mother, Alberta; her Uncle Wilbur; her husband, Lafayette; her son Michael; her sisters Geneva and Doris; and her nephew, O’Kelly.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends including Keith W. Hudson (Zethray) of Stroudsburg, PA, Barbara Redd of Jamaica, New York, Jacquelin May Jackson (Anthony) of Brooklyn, New York and Lynda Stewart (Glenn) of Jamaica, New York.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Rich Square. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. William C. Clark officiating.  Wilder’s Funeral Home Inc., 921 South Main Street, Rich Square, NC is handling the arrangements.