Bernice Doris Mack was born on December 20, 1922 in Weleeka, Oklahoma, the seventh and youngest child born to the late Randal Love and Henrietta Bennett Love. She was raised in a very loving, supportive and Christian home. Bernice professed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend H. Burleigh, Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Meridian, Oklahoma.

After graduating from L'Overture High School in Meridian at the age of 15, Bernice attended Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma for one semester before moving to Blythe, California to join her sisters, Ernestine Black and Verderee Parrish. While visiting Blythe, she met Lloyd Mack. After a brief stay, she returned to Meridian, but Lloyd sent her letter asking her to come back and marry him which she did in 1942. They were blessed with three daughters and two sons, Gwen, Patricia, Joyce, Lloyd Jr and Steven. They were devoted to their children and instilled in them a solid sense of work ethic, Christian principles and a belief in oneself to achieve their aspirations and goals.

Shortly after arriving in Blythe, Bernice became a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, which at that time was under the leadership of Reverend O. B. Ware. An avid member of the church, Bernice was active in the Women's Missionary Society and the Matrons Club. She taught Sunday School and assisted in the Baptist Training Union. She was also a member of NAACP and served as Vice President of the Widows Support Group.

In the early 1950's, Bernice had a strong desire to work in a hospital. The field of nursing was her ambition, and she was determined to achieve her goals. With the support of her husband and children, she managed to fulfill her dreams.

Bernice applied to work at Palo Verde Hospital and was immediately hired. The hospital was small, and the staff was minimal. She worked on the floor as an aide and assisted in the operating room whenever needed. She was on call after working her normal hours but always responded immediately. In 1965, Bernice was encouraged by Dr. Slater to challenge the California State medical Board for her Vocational Nursing License. She did so and successfully obtained her license. In 1967, she received her certificate from the American Surgical Technicians association as being a qualified Surgical Technician licensed by the state in an accredited hospital. In 1973, she was featured in Palo Verde Valley Times for her dedication, skills and work ethics displayed at the Palo Verde Hospital. She was fondly referred to as "Nurse" by her nieces.

After 34 years of dedicating her life to the Palo Verde Hospital, Bernice retired in September of 1973. She loved to travel, whether by car, air, train or ship. She and Lloyd spent a lot of time visiting their children and their families. The family always got together for Thanksgiving.  Bernice also enjoyed the Love family reunions. She was fortunate to meet President Bill Clinton when she and her son Steven ad his wife Julia visited her granddaughter, Joslyn who worked for the government. Bernice also enjoyed cruising. Because Lloyd did not care for that, she went on several cruises with her daughters. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, doing Word Search puzzles and playing dominos. She was also a big Laker fan.

When Lloyd became ill, Bernice devoted her time caring for him until his passing in 1996. After his death, she spent more time with her children and traveling with her daughters.

Bernice touched so many lives with her kindness and generous spirit. We will always hold fond memories of the times we spent with her. She will be missed.

On January 7, 2021, Bernice was called home to rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, parents Randal Wilson and Henrietta Love, brothers Leonard and Launzy, sisters, Eveldon Moore, Ernestine Black and Verderee Parrish and one great grandson, Miles Mack. She will be sorely missed by her children, Gwen Mack, Patricia White, Lloyd Mack Jr., Joyce Mack (Bennie) and Steven Mack (Julia). She also leaves to cherish her memory 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Under the COVID-19 guidelines we are limiting space for the service so that social distancing can be maintained. There will be a public viewing on Monday, January 18th, 2021 from 10:30am-11:15am. The graveside service is also open to the public following the funeral service at Palo Verde Cemetery. Mask or a face shield covering the entirety of the mouth and nose must be worn at all times.