Bernice Esther (Wilson) Smith

Bernice Esther Wilson Smith, born on August 19, 1927, in Milford, Delaware, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 14, 2025. A lifelong Milford resident, Bernice was a devoted member of the Avenue Methodist Church for over eighty years. Her calling was teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and actively participating in church functions. She volunteered countless hours to serve her community and church. Her faith and fellowship were an absolute cornerstone of her life.

Bernice was known for her beaming smile, joyous laugh, and the warmth she brought into every room. She loved gardening, animals, and spending time with her family more than anything. She was also a talented cook and baker, always ready to share a homemade meal and a story. She loved a breeze on her porch, a good book and waving to every passerby. To know Bernice was to love her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Martin Smith, and her sons, Kenneth and Daniel Smith and siblings William Wilson, Lucy Sanderson, and Alice Greenly. Bernice leaves behind her sister Martha Coverdale, cherished children: Sheren Merritt and husband Wayne, Lawrence Smith and wife Leslie, and Jeff Smith, along with her loving grandchildren: Brian Merritt and his wife Cheryl, Scott Merritt and wife Siobhan, and Laura Merritt Jackson and her husband Josh, Matthew Smith, and Andrew Smith and wife Stephanie. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Brandon, Allison, Ryan, Aidan, Olivia Merritt, Tyler and Chase Merritt, as well as Clyde and Theodore Jackson, and Vincent and Wren Smith. She was a great great grandmother to Asher Davis and Liam Smith. She felt like a “Mom Mom” to countless others.

Her legacy of love, faith, and joy will live on through the many lives she touched. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, with a viewing at 11am and service at Noon at Berry-Short Funeral Home 119 NW Front St Milford DE 19963 . In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Avenue United Methodist Church in her name. https://avenueumc.com/volunteer-give/give-to-aumc/