Bernice (Dawson) Jackson

Life’s Reflections

“A Time To Be Born”

Mrs. Bernice Jackson was born to the union of Isaiah and Lessie Gates-Dawson in Sledge, Mississippi.  She attended Donnelly College when she relocated to Kansas City, Kansas.

“A Time To Love”

Bernice moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1956 and immediately joined the Salem Baptist Church.  She met Harry Jackson at Salem and they were married December 30, 1960.  They were the parents of two children who died at birth.  Seeing the void in their lives, God blessed them with a God daughter, Sandra Wilson-Thomas, who became the joy of their lives.

“A Time To Build Up”

Harry and Bernice became “a team for the Lord”.  For over fifty years they shared their musical gifts for the Lord throughout the Kansas City area and beyond.

Bernice lived out the profession of her faith through her daily and her service for Lord.  Her primary ministry at Salem was with the music ministry.  She served as director for the Youth Choir for over 40 years where she gave music and life direction to three generations in succession.

She was a Sunday School Teacher, worked with mission and evangelism ministries, and developed the first New Member’s Training at Salem.  Bernice was passionate about attending prayer meeting and Bible Study.  Bernice was employed with the Internal Revenue Service for 30 years.

“A Time To Mourn”

Bernice was preceded in death by both parents, two infant children, one brother, grandparents, uncle, aunts and cousins.

“A Time To Die”

On May 27, 2016 she slipped away to be with the Lord, and to sing in that “heavenly choir”.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory; her loving husband of 55 years, Harry; daughter Sandra Thomas, grandsons, Vincent Wilson (Sandy) and Michael Wilson (Felicia) Wilson; five great grandchildren, Alexandria, Michael, Jr. Victoria, Ciera and Vince, Jr.; a brother, Isaiah Dawson (Carolyn); aunt, Vassie Butler.  Special niece/God-daughter, Sherri Patterson, Goddaughters: Gloritis Sloan, Gwen Ridgnal, Karen Sloan, Camellia Cochran, Doretha Sloan, Godsons, JD. Sloan and Darrelll Oliver; special cousins; Dorothy, Brenda, Carolyn, Katherine, Arthur, Charles, Donnie, Ricky, Tony, Michael, Curtis, Ora, Hattie, Milton, Mack, David; and a host of other great nieces, nephews, Godchildren,  relatives and friends.

“A Time To Dance”

Bernice loved the Lord with all her heart with all her soul, and with all her mind, and she loved people.  She did what the Lord required of her by doing justice.  She was committed to the Lord’s command to help her fellowman by reaching out to help others in need.

 Service Information