Bernice Marsh

1931 - 2026

Mary Bernice Sawyer Marsh



Mary Bernice S. Marsh ("Bernice"), late of Durham, NC, was born on August 11, 1931, in Winton, Hertford County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Charles Sawyer and Mary Jones Sawyer. She was the second of four siblings, Ernest Sawyer, Wilbert Sawyer, and her younger sister, Lynette S. Harvey. She was married to the late Attorney William A. ("Billy") Marsh Jr. and the mother of two, Attorney William A. ("Drew") Marsh III (Sonja), and Dr. Jewel Marsh Cummings OTR/L. She leaves four grandchildren, William Andrew Marsh IV, Kylie Alexandra Marsh, Nicholas Emerson Marsh, and Jade Sawyer Cummings.

Bernice graduated from North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and later, a Master of Science, both from NCC. During her undergraduate years, she became a member of the Alpha Lambda chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated in 1952. She enjoyed a career that began at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and later became an Associate Professor of Business at NCC, teaching Business Communications and Business Math. She was a dedicated faculty member, and many recount her kindness and caring attitude as an instructor. Bernice eventually joined the NCCU administration in the Purchasing Division as a Procurement Officer.

She was very active in the Durham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the Durham Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Barristers' Wives, an auxiliary of the National Bar Association, and served in multiple roles at St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, including the Women's Missionary Society.

In her later years, Bernice moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to live with her daughter, Jewel M. Cummings, and granddaughter, Jade S. Cummings.

Many recall her forever smile, calming and caring presence, and a gracious willingness to help with whatever role she could.

Bernice loved to travel across the US and especially the North Carolina beaches.



A memorial service will be held on March 21st at St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, NC., 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations to St. Joseph AME Church are welcome.