McDONOUGH, GA - Mrs. Bernice Garland Calloway, age 96, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at her residence.

Public viewing will begin on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 12 until 6 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025 from the McLaurin-Harris Memorial Chapel, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 12 p.m. Reverend Carl B. Hutcherson, Jr., will preside and Reverend Mack Johnson, eulogist.

The committal and interment will follow in the family plot of Greenview Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.

Bernice Garland Calloway, affectionately known as "Ma, Momma, Bern, and NaNa," was born on September 25, 1929 in Reidsville, North Carolina, to the late Annie Pearl Roach Garland and Samuel Garland. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Lucy Roach, Janie and John Garland; her brothers, Joe Roach and Leon "Bo" Garland; her sister, Inez Broadnax Roach; and her daughter, Jean Annette Garland Oglesby Hubbard.

Bernice leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment, and devotion to her family. She is survived by her children: Marcus (Linda) Calloway, Jr., Deborah Calloway, Vincent Calloway, Cheryl (Milton, Sr.) West, Michael Calloway, Sharon Calloway, and Carol (Jerry Sr.) Carter. She was a guiding light and second mother to her granddaughters, Nicole A. Calloway and Donna "Tilly" Oglesby.  Her grandchildren also include Timothy "Termite" Garland, Joel "Skeeter" Calloway, Kayla Rice, Milton West II, Nicholas (Kristie) West, Bradley West, Jaylen Carter, Marcus (Celeste) Calloway III, Gloria Calloway Hutcherson, Valeria (Kingsley) Chukwu, Marcia Calloway, Joel Calloway, Dominick Jones, JaVonna Scott, and Nikki Henderson Washington. Bernice's trusted and loving sister, Annie Pearl Stockton, survives her, along with "daughters of the heart" Sheila Brown, Wanda Scott, Bridgette Woody Taliafero, and Sonya Belmont. She is also remembered by twenty-three grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A Life of Dedication

Bernice was educated in the Reidsville, NC, school system. At the age of 18, she relocated to Lynchburg, VA, to join her mother, where she would live until her health began to fail. Known for her strong work ethic, she enjoyed a long career at Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC), where she built lifelong friendships. In 1991, she retired under an initiative championed by Governor L. Douglas Wilder, which allowed state employees to retire with full benefits.

Her Passions

Bernice was a gifted cook whose meals—always made from scratch—were beloved by her family and neighbors. She was also an avid reader, with a lifelong dream of becoming a librarian. She loved reading daily devotions, studying the Bible, solving crossword and word-find puzzles, and keeping up with the news. She found joy and comfort in tending her flowers, nurturing each one with care—a true testament to her green thumb. She delighted in the simple pleasures of life, like sending and receiving thoughtful greeting cards, always making others feel remembered and loved. Her home was a reflection of her passions and gentle spirit, adorned with an extensive collection of angel and owl figurines that brought her peace and delight. She was a proud Dallas Cowboys fan and often spoke with joy about one of her favorite memories-seeing them play the Falcons in Atlanta. Through these simple pleasures and cherished memories, her warmth, kindness, and zest for life shone brightly to all who knew her. Family time brought her the greatest joy, along with opportunities to travel, sightsee, and share long daily phone calls with loved ones. She cherished her special sister-friends—Norma Woody Brown, Barbara Miller Gentry, and Margaret "Boogie" Scott—who went before her.

Faith & Service

Bernice devoted her life to Christ at an early age. She was a faithful steward at Trinity United Methodist Church under Rev. Carl B. Hutcherson, Jr. Later, she attended Immanuel Christian Church, where she deeply valued the leadership and care of Pastor Mack Johnson. Even after moving to Georgia in 2021, she found comfort in his visits, prayers, and calls. Through every season, she never ceased to pray and thank God for His goodness.

Legacy

Bernice's life is best described by the "dash" between her birth in 1929 and her passing in 2025—a dash filled with love, service, resilience, and faith. To her family, she was not only a mother and grandmother but also a best friend and the heart of the home.

Service by McLaurin-Harris