Bernice Elizabeth Cambridge Dean

Bernice was the sixth of seven children born to the union of Arnold Cambridge and Agnes Johnson Cambridge. She was born on May 14, 1938, in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, The Bahamas.  Her parents were deeply devout Christians who instilled in her the following values:  a strong and unwavering belief in God: the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit; a strong sense of love and appreciation for family, community, and the Bahamian culture; and a strong understanding of the value of hard work and education.  Bernice kept and was guided by these values throughout her life; and she also instilled and nurtured these values in her children, nephews, nieces, and the future generations of the family.

Bernice attend the Gregory Town All Aged School, where she rose to become a student teacher between the ages of 14 and 16.  At the age of 16, she moved to Nassau to live with her sister, Fredericka.  She worked and saved her money to go to school in Miami to become a beautician.  At the age of 20, Bernice traveled to Miami where she attended the Sunlight Beauty School.  The Sunlight Beauty School was Miami's first beauty school licensed to teach black people; students came from across the South and the Bahamas to attend.  Bernice graduated from the Sunlight Beauty School after completing a rigorous seven-months, 1200-hour course. 

While attending Sunlight Beauty School, she met John Elias Dean, the love of her life.  After a whirlwind romance, Bernice and John were married in holy matrimony on January 1, 1959.   Their union was blessed with four sons: Derek, Bryon, Barry, and Dwight.  Bernice ensured her sons were raised with the same values she was given by her parents.  While they were growing up, she ensured they attended Saint Agnes Episcopal Church; knew and visited with family in the Bahamas and across the States; valued education and learning and strived to work hard in all endeavors they undertook.  She was a very kind, sweet, and welcoming soul who helped raise and nurture her nieces, nephews, and god-children; and opened her home to all family, relatives, and friends throughout her life.  

Bernice was also a dedicated wife and working mother throughout her life. She constantly worked hard in partnership with her husband John to provide a good life for her family.   After her youngest son was born, she wanted a job with more steady hours, so that she could be present for her family.  She obtained a job as a maid at the Holiday Inn Hotel on Miami Beach for over 35 years, where she was recognized and honored for her hard work and dedication.  This job allowed her and John to become homeowners when they were in their 30’s and provide their children with all the things they needed to be healthy, happy, safe, and prosperous during their formative years.

Bernice left this earthly world at North Shore Medical Center on Sunday, November 30, 2022

Left to cherish the memories of Bernice are her:

Children: Derek Dean, Bryon (Hazel) Dean, Barry (Sonia) Dean, Dwight (Wendy) Dean

Adopted Sister and Cousin: Subleecka Johnson Thompson

Adopted Daughters and Nieces: Helen “Lil” Bernice Cambridge, JoAnne (Jerome) Stuart

God Son: Donnie Williams

Grandchildren: Kennado, Marquis, Maurice, LaToya, Michael, Dwight Jr, Derek Jr, Barry Jr,  Danielle, Brittany, Douglas, Kimberly, Marcus, Brionna, and Candice

Great Grandchildren: Kymani, Leylah, Leilani, and Kennadi

Nieces: Dale (Shayne) Davis, Sharon “Sherry” Williams, Paula (Arlington) Hunter, Sheryl Cambridge-Charlow, Stephanie (Michael) Graham, Lisa Pratt, Sandra Hepburn, Trina Dean, and Regina Dean; Grand Nieces: Sabrina Knowles, Deidre “Nicky” Knowles, Mykela Graham

Nephews: Jack Cambridge, Frank (Carolyn) Cambridge, Craig (Cheryl) Cambridge, Pastor Dwight (Joann) Cambridge, Kevin  Cambridge,  Andre (Rosanna) Cambridge,  Randy (Candie) Cambridge, James Cambridge, Charles “Fred” (Jackie) Knowles,  David (Louise) Knowles; Carl Braynen Jr, Gerald (Celia) Pratt, Stephen Pratt, Jonathan Dean, Frank Dean Jr, Jeffrey Dean, Eric Dean,  and Michael Dean; Grand Nephews: Michael Malik Graham

Loving Relatives & Friends that include: Clarence & Brenda Walters, Violet Fenty, Terrence & Ashlyn Walters, David & Karen Fenty, Tessie Nichols, Lydia Nichols, Angela Nichols, Jerome Nichols, Terrence Roberts, Jeffrey & Tammy Cauley, Sean & Channa Moore, John & Jennifer Levy, General William “Kip” & Joyce Ward, Greg & Lisa Packer, John & Martrina Womble, and a many loving cousins; grand nieces and nephews; and beloved family friends.

Bernice was preceded in passing by her…..

Husband: John Dean;

Sisters: Fredericka “Freddie” Knowles, Ruth Braynen, Mary Cash;

Brothers: Hartman Cambridge, Harcourt Cambridge, William Cambridge;

Sister-in-Laws: Aramintha Dean, Reverend Miriam Dean Pratt, Annie King, Myrlyn Dean, Eloise Dean, Sylvia Cambridge; 

Brother-in-Laws: James Dean, Frank “Samuel” Dean Sr, Moses Dean, Charles Knowles, Carl Braynen Sr., Gerald Pratt, and Thomas Cash;

Nieces: Judy Knowles, Denise Braynen Cargill;

Nephew: Paul Braynen