Bernice M. Hill was born January 31, 1922 to Donzel and Flora Hill in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and one of ten children. She attended school in Nayaka, Oklahoma. She accepted Christ in her life at an early age. She taught herself to play the piano and organ. She received her Associate Degree in Cosmotology. Bernice united in marriage to Willie James, November 16, 1940 and to this union one son was born. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Willie James, three brothers and four sisters. Bernice leaves to cherish her memory, son: Earl (Gwen) James, one brother: Oscar Hill, one sister: Myrtle Powell both of Okmulgee, OK, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.