Bernice Pratt

Bernice (Smith) Pratt, was born on June 30, 1930 in a small town in Anson County, North Carolina called Morven. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she departed this life on April 26, 2021. It was early on a Monday morning that she heard and responded to the call. It’s been a long time coming, but she knew that a change was going to come. We can imagine her proclaiming “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.” Now, she can walk around Heaven all day with Her Parents: Odessa and John Smith. She can tell Her Sons: James Franklin, Walter and Archie, how she made it over through much toil, heartache and pain, yet, she still committed her way unto the Lord and trusted in Him. Bernice can rejoice with Her Siblings: Cora Lee, Sonny, Archie and Mary Smith, as she declares “I never would have made it, without Him and I’m so glad about it.

Bernice was educated in the Anson County School System. She later met and married the Late Preston Pratt. This union was blessed with 9 wonderful children. With a vision of a brighter future, they relocated with their family to New Jersey, where they all currently reside.

Bernice, was affectionately known as Mother Pratt. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She attended Raymond Grove Baptist Church, where she was baptized. This was the beginning of her Christian journey. There were snares and setbacks along the way. She may have wavered, but she never lost sight of her faith.   She instilled in her children and grandchildren to always believe and have faith in God, no matter what the circumstances.

Mother Pratt was a true woman of God. In subsequent years, she rededicated her life to Christ. She joined in fellowship with Mt Zion Baptist Church and later united with Faith Baptist Church under the tutelage of Reverend Paul Tanner Kennedy. Mother Pratt remained a faithful member serving on various committees. She was a woman after God’s own heart. She demonstrated Christlike humility and active faith regardless of the circumstances. Mother Pratt fought a good and courageous fight. She endured to the end knowing that her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was with her; sustaining her, and she was not afraid to demonstrate her love, faith and complete dependence on Him.

Mother Pratt was a beautiful, loving, compassionate, God fearing, spirit filled woman of God who loved her family. She was everything to everybody poured a wealth of wisdom and knowledge into their lives. Her home and heart were filled with the beautiful sound of her laughter. It was both soothing and reassuring. Mother Pratt brought the Word of God alive

Mother Pratt instilled such a love and bond within the hearts of her children, which will enable her legacy to linger on for generations to come, as fond cherished memories of her are shared by Her Children: Daisy Bynum, James Thomas (Cassandra), Annie Mae (Squire Daniels), Ronnie, Michael “Nasir” and Shawn Pratt; Her 22 Grandchildren; 56 Great Grandchildren, 32 Great-Great Grandchildren; Her Brother: Lonnie Davis Smith; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, other Relatives and Friends.