Bernice D. Dowtin

Bernice Daisy Winkey-Dowtin was born to the late Catherine Evelyn Winkey-Shivers on October 7, 1937 in Newark NJ and was the stepdaughter of Albert Shivers.
Bernice received her education through the Newark Public School System. She graduated from Central High School and became employed as an operator at NJ Bell. It was there she met and fell in love with McDonald Dowtin. The two would soon marry and from that union, three children were born; Michael (Muquit) Dowtin, Kathy M. Dowtin and Khadijah Saleem (Cheryl Dowtin).
Bernice joined Beulah Baptist Church in the early70's. After leaving Beulah, she became a long time member of New Vision Full Gospel Church until she was unable to attend due to medical issues.
Bernice attended Essex County College from 1975-1977, where she received her Associate's Degree in Social Work. Years later, Bernice attended Rutgers University and received a Certificate of Completion in Union Management and became a Union Representative for Martland Medical Center-today known as, "The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ." It was from there, she would retire in September of 1995.
Bernice took on post-retirement employment with the Essex County Youth House as a Property Clerk under the supervision of Joe Clark. She also volunteered as a CASA worker within the Essex County Court System; through this opportunity she attended a workshop in New Orleans, which became her favorite destination to visit. She was also part of the grandparent's program at the North Ward Culture Center. There she cared for children of working parents. Bernice became affectionately known by most, as "Grandma." She always lent a helping hand, but never failed to add her "two-cents" in the palm of it. Bernice truly loved people, something she considered to be a gift from God; a servant for her fellow brothers and sisters whether in or out of church. In fact, she loved the everyday people she encountered with over the years. Bonding with people was very important to her and some became her lifelong friends.
Bernice was preceded in death by her former Husband McDonald Dowtin, her son, Michael (Muquit) Dowtin and her sister, Dorothy Johnson. Bernice leaves to witness her Home Going, two daughters, Kathy M. Dowtin and Khadijah Saleem; a daughter in-law, Danielle Peyton, her grandchildren: Rashidah Peyton, Jauhara Pressey-Motley (Richard), Muniyra and Saad Peyton and Narjis Dowtin; great-grandchildren, Dayshon, Chaquan and Hajjah Peyton, Journey Sammons and Derrick Motley; her dear niece, Yasmin Spain, a God-daughter, Jeanette Harris and three bonus sons, Tyrone Loften, Keith Pressey and Wade (Tony) Williams; and a hosts of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends who will forever cherish her loving memories.