With sadness we share the news of the death of Bernice Mayes, 88, on September 4, 2025.
Bernice served the diocese on the Cathedral Chapter (1996-2011), the Department of Missions (2001-2004), the ACTS/VIM Board (Classes of 2005 and 2008), the Ward J. Herbert Board (2008-2016), and the Trustees of the Episcopal Fund (2008-2017).
A long member of Trinity & St Philip’s Cathedral in Newark, Bernice served on the Vestry, as a Treasurer, and as a Warden. She also was a member of Women of Trinity (which became Episcopal Church Women, or ECW); St. Ann’s Guild; the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE); a lifelong member of the NAACP-Newark Chapter; and served as a past president of the NJ State Federation of Colored Women, a chapter for the National Association of Colored Women’s Club.
Bernice retired as the Director of Food Services of the Newark Public Schools. After 9/11, she worked with the then-Director of the NJ Salvation Army, Brenda Simpson, to help families reunite with loved ones and receive the proper services.
Bernice is survived by her sister Ruth Mayes and her brother Garland Mayes. She is predeceased by her sisters Margaret Mayes and Mary Mayes.
Her funeral service will be on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Trinity & St Philip’s Cathedral, 608 Broad Street, in Newark. There will be a viewing at 9 AM, with the funeral service at 10 AM.
Condolences to the family can be sent to Trinity & St Philip’s Cathedral, Attn: Ruth Mayes, 608 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following scholarship funds:
The Union of Black Episcopalians
Make checks payable to: Marguerite Smith Scholarship Fund
Mail to: Epiphany and Christ Church, Attn: Bob Simmons, 105 Main St., Orange, NJ 07050.
The Essex County Civic Club
Make checks payable to: ECCC – Florence Johnson Scholarship Fund
Mail to: The Essex County Civic Club, Attn: Julia Hendrix, P.O. Box 602, South Orange, NJ 07079
Father of all, we pray to you for Bernice, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
