Mrs. Bernice Charzetta McEwen

McEWEN, Mrs. Bernice Charzetta - Age 81, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Holiday Genesee Gardens. Family hour 10:00 AM Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2109 Dr. Martin L. King Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Rodney Ellison, officiating. Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Thursday. Mrs. McEwen will lie in state in the chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wednesday. Mrs. Bernice Charzetta McEwen was born on July 12, 1941 in Magnolia, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Henry and Eva Jones. Bernice’s early education was in Pike County, Mississippi and she excelled academically at the Pike County Agricultural High School. She took an acceleration test in the 11th grade that allowed her to skip the 12th grade and go directly to college. She was accepted at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry. Bernice moved to Flint, Michigan where she landed a job as the first African American Lab Technician at Flint General Hospital. Upon leaving Flint General Hospital, she began working at the biomedical Lab in Southfield, Michigan until her retirement in 1991. Bernice was a born again Christian and a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, serving under several pastors, particularly the late Rev. Hebert B. Dixson, and currently under the pastorage of Rev. Rodney Ellison. From a previous marriage, Bernice gave birth to two sons, Carl and Harold Ellison (who she affectionately called her “Two Brown Bombers”) who brought her great joy and several grandchildren to spoil. In August of 1989, Bernice joined in Holy Matrimony with Matthew McEwen. They enjoyed spending time with all of the grandchildren, taking them on vacation for several weeks every summer, creating fond memories. This fit right in with Bernice’s love for traveling. They would often visit the Upper Peninsula in Michigan to see the leaves change colors. A most memorable visit was the time she went to Bermuda. She talked about this trip for a very long time. Bernice had many hobbies and talents, and was a forever learner. One of her many talents was being an accomplished seamstress, having made her own wedding dress. She would crochet Afghans and blankets for her many friends and family, a skill she taught to her grands. Bernice learned basket weaving, pottery and jewelry making. She was a rock collector and found great joy looking after her “pet rock”. Bernice was a part of the Flint Neighborhood Coalition and helped to maintain a community garden. She was a master gardener and had plants that flourished for over 30 years. Bernice learned to paint portraits and gave them out as gifts to the models. She had a keen interest in all things pertaining to arts and crafts. She further served the community by being a member of GCARD to help facilitate programs towards school and youth. Bernice was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Mrs. Bernice Charzetta McEwen leaves to cherish her memory: loving and devoted husband, Matthew McEwen; sons, Carl (Gwen and step-son, Dwayne) Ellison of Canton, MI and Harold (Doris) Ellison of Flint; brother, Henry (Dorothy) Jones of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, LaShantal (Ron) Deloney, Latrese Johnson, Harold (Brenna) Ellison, Daquitta Ellison and Patrick Ellison; great-grandchildren, Aymarri Jackson, Alonzo Golfin Jr., Angel Golfin, Azon Golfin, Makhani Jackson Geniya Abraham, Penelope Ellison, and Maxine Avery Ellison; a host of other in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, John Frank Ellison; sisters, Estella Byrd, Rosie lee Jones, Deena Robinson and Frances Jones; and great-granddaughter, Ava Abraham.

Mrs. Bernice Charzetta McEwen

July 12, 1941 - April 25, 2023