Bernice C. Slade

Bernice Clara (Holloway) Slade was born on February 18, 1935, in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, New York to the late Clarabell Elizabeth (Hill) Holloway and Spurgeon William Holloway. She was the third child born to this union.
Bernice was a woman of faith, wisdom, and resilience, whose life was marked by her spiritual gifts, dedication to family, and significant contributions to her community and church. She was blessed with a special spiritual insight and gift of prophecy. Family, friends and strangers alike, would gravitate to hear her thoughts and insightful words of wisdom. Bernice enjoyed dancing, music, and praying for others. She was an avid reader, often reading 4 to 5 books at a time. She enjoyed literary greats such as Maya Angelo, often using her quotes in her speeches. Bernice's Calvary family knew her as a Prayer Warrior, always offering prayer day or night for those in need. In her early career, she worked at the Board. of Foreign Missions in New York City. Bernice was swept off her feet when she met the love of her life, Walter Slade, affectionately known as Harvey. They married in 1959 and relocated to Teaneck, NJ. Together they raised three daughters, and their value for education ensured they graduated from Hampton Institute University.
Bernice enjoyed family and friend fellowships and her home was always welcoming. Bernice and Harvey had a very special relationship where his quiet and calm demeanor complimented her outgoing and spirited demeanor. Bernice loved her daughters, always providing inspiration for them to be the best they could be in life. The support she provided for her family was unwavering. She had an extra special spark of love that illuminated with each of her grandchildren, spending time with each of them, celebrating their accomplishments, and hearing about their hopes, dreams, and perspectives. Bernice and Walter were self-employed business owners of Slade's Auto Body Works, Inc., where they co-managed the business shortly after they were married.
She cared for her family, managed their business and held many leadership positions at her beloved church, Calvary. Bernice accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, where she attended First Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. Bernice, having such a strong faith always maintained church memberships throughout her life. Bernice joined Calvary in 1977 with her family and was baptized by Pastor Albert P. Rowe. Bernice immediately embraced the work of the church and developed many life-long friendships. Throughout her 47+ years as a faithful member she served in all capacities of the church. However, she may be best most known by her service provided as a Deaconess Board Chairwoman since 1994. In later years a recommendation was made by the Deacon Board and unanimously accepted by the church recommending three individuals for the landmark role of Chairperson Emeritus of the respective Boards, based on their exemplary leadership, wisdom, knowledge, spirituality and love for Jesus Christ and His church. Bernice did not take this role lightly and accepted the awesome responsibility it held along with Deacon LaFont Tugman (Deacon Chairperson Emeritus) and Deacon Arthur Holloway (Trustee Chairperson Emeritus). Her wisdom and encouragement have been inspiring to many, and her service exemplary; it was her ability to follow the will of God that remained in the forefront. She always shared the need to have Jesus in your life and would always offer her prayers. Bernice received many awards and acknowledgements including Calvary's Roberta Johnson Guild award in 1992, The Purcell Richardson Family of the Year Award in 1998, and the Red Badge of Faith, Courage and Inspiration Award in 2004.
Bernice also was a member of the NAACP, The Order of the Lamp and Crispus Attacks scholarship organizations as well as a supporting member of the Passaic/ Bergen Hampton Alumni Association. Bernice maintained unwavering faith and continued to inspire others.
She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday January 26, 2025, leaving behind a loving family and a legacy of faith, wisdom, and community service.
She was predeceased by her husband, Walter Harvey Slade; brothers, Staley Holloway (Marlene), David Holloway, Rev. Dr. Edward Holloway, Clarence Holloway and sister Joyce Belisle; brothers-in-law, Whitfield Slade, Allen Slade, Steven Slade and sisters-in-laws Mamie Harris, Dorothy Daniel, Juanita Boylan, Olivia McGill, Deborah Slade, Elayne Slade. God Sons, Barry Taylor and Maurice Robinson.
Bernice leaves to cherish wonderful memories, daughters, Felecia L. Slade, Cheryl A, Williamson and Yvette M. Smith. Sons-in-law & love, Byron M. Williamson and Douglas A. Smith Jr.; Grandchildren, Jaraad Williamson, Jabari Williamson (West), Amadea Bekeo-Tabiri, Jendaya Williamson and Jehlan Williamson; Loving Sister JoAnn Warner (Arthur), Sister-In-Law Beatrice Smith, Brother-In-Law Cecil Austin. Devoted niece Monifa Moore, Bonus sons - nephew Jesse Boylan and Erik Powell, spiritual daughter Rev. Pamela Powell; cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and special friends.
Please click link below for livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU1piCWYE08