Pernell Scott Brice Jr.

Pernell Scott Brice, Jr.
On the wings of a Dove, Pernell Scott Brice Jr. made his transition to God on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Pernell was born on July 22, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland. He had three siblings, Shirley, Lovelene and Charles Haywood, all who predeceased him, as well as a brother Clarence Thomas. He was born to the late Pernell and Ruth Brice and was raised on Lexington Ave. He grew up understanding the importance of God first, family, education, and service to others.
Pernell matriculated through education in the Baltimore City Public Schools graduating in 1953 from Carver Vocational Technical Highschool. Immediately following graduation, he began four years of college study at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), in Hampton, Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also obtained his Master's or Arts in Education at Saint Peter's College in Jersey City. Pernell also pursued additional studies at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Pernell began his lengthy professional career with Western Electric in Baltimore, Maryland, where he served in several departments, including engineering and public affairs. In 1972, Western Electric relocated him to New Jersey. While there, he was selected to participate in an initiative through "The National Alliance of Business", where he had the opportunity to travel to forty-nine states visiting colleges to help strengthen their financial aid departments and speaking with African American students about the importance of education. Due to his work in this program, he received Presidential commendations from both Gerald Ford in 1976 and Jimmy Carter in 1980 in recognition of exceptional service to others in the finest American tradition. He also worked at AT&T and for fourteen years at the State of New Jersey department of Education, where he retired.
In 1963, Pernell married Lonzella Praileau to whom he was a devoted husband for sixty-two years. Known affectionately as "Lonnie and P," they were inseparable partners whose warmth and hospitality created lifelong friendships. The couple's annual Black History celebration was a lively convening that brought enjoyment and cultural enrichment within their special orbit of friends.
Pernell was an avid traveler and along with his wife Lonnie they traveled to Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and South Pacific Islands. He believed that traveling was vital for personal growth and broadening one's perspective. Pernell often encouraged his children to travel as much as possible, whether domestically or internationally, to build understanding for the world and for others.
Friendships were developed through Pernell's participation in the Knights of Columbus and his deep devotion to the Little Flower Catholic Church in Berkeley Heights. The couple was especially devoted to the North Jersey Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., enjoying numerous family activities with their children and friends.
Pernell began his journey to his beloved fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Hampton University where he was President of his Scroller's Club, and he would later be initiated at the Plainfield Alumni Chapter. Pernell proudly participated in community-directed activities, mentoring and social justice efforts aimed at improving conditions in the world-at-large. His son Pernell III joined the fraternity as well, increasing the special bond of fathers and sons. As a loving father to daughter Monique, he spoke proudly of her induction into Alpha Kappa Alpha Alpha Sorority, Inc., her mother Lonzella's sorority. As part of their collective legacy, the Brice's continued their assistance to the community through assorted service endeavors.
Becoming a grandfather was one of Pernell's greatest joys. His granddaughters brought light and vitality to his life, especially during his courageous battle with kidney disease. Their presence never failed to fill him with strength and happiness. Pernell's transition to God's eternal love on November 1, is mourned by his wife Lonzella, his daughter Monique and her spouse Darryl Hughes, their children Jennifer and Loni, his son Pernell III and his wife Mirlaine, their children Madeleine and Pascale, as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Above all, Pernell's life was anchored by his unwavering faith in God and profound love for family, extended family, and those he mentored. His legacy of service, wisdom, and compassion will forever live in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. We rejoice that his earthly suffering has ended and celebrate his peaceful ascension into the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Visiting will be held in Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial, 646 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 5-8 PM. There will be a final visitation to be held in Church of the Little Flower, Plainfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ on Saturday from 10-10:45 AM followed by the Funeral Mass to begin at 11 AM. Interment to follow in St. Teresa's Cemetery, Summit, NJ.