Bernice Davis Caldwell, long-time Chandler, Oklahoma, resident, went to her eternal rest on December 23, 2015. Bernice was born February 21, 1925 in Chandler, she was the third child of Ernest and Eva Smith Davis.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lochinvar, two brothers, Cleo and George and a step-daughter, Sharon Williams.

She grew up in Chandler and received all of her education in the Douglas School System. Bernice was a 1943, honor graduate. In the fall of 1943, she enrolled at Langston University and graduated Cum Laude in 1947, earning a bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Mrs. Caldwell loved to teach, around 1952, she moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she worked as a nursery school teacher for many years.

In 1955, Bernice married William Fleming and to this union two sons were born, William and Mark. In 1960, the family moved to Chandler and during this time period Mrs. Caldwell worked in some of the local restaurants, hoping one day to own her own business. In the 1970's Ms. Caldwell joined the Chandler Public School System where she taught the social sciences. Bernice has many fond memories of her teaching days, with students such as Rev. Michael Brown, Rev. M. L. Holms, Melborn "FatBoy" Maxwell and Oswald Naff, to name a few.

Mrs. Caldwell left the school system to open a restaurant with her husband Lochinvar Caldwell Sr. The restraunt was called Niece's. Mrs. Caldwell loved to cook and everything that she made was wonderful. The restraunt did quite well and was known for its Lemon Meringue Pies. In the early 1980's Bernice embarked on another career. This was the Langston University Cooperative Extension, along with her good friend Sis. Johnnie Jacobs, they traveled from home to home to teach individuals new and improved methods of home economics. Mrs. Caldwell really liked this job because she was able to cook, and sew, two things that she really loved to do. In the 1990's Bernice became a caregiver for several families in the Chandler area that included Basil Wagner, and Opal Temple.

As a young child Bernice gave her life to Christ at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Her family later united with the Central Baptist Church. Sis. Caldwell was a strong supporter of her church and Pastor Reed. She served in the following capacities, Sunday School Superintendant, Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Society, Youth Department, Finance Chairperson, and the St. Mark District association.

Her community activates included, Route 66, Chandler Douglas Alumni Association, Sweet Home Community Club and the Miller Family Reunion.

Bernice was a kind and generous individual, giving of her time and resources to those in need. She was always ready to give encouragement and advice to everyone. Bernice's hobbies included, cooking. of which she loved to BBQ and make her Lemon Meringue Pies. She was excellent with Seduko and crossword puzzles. Bernice enjoyed traveling and liked to watch sports with her son on Saturdays.

She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Sandra Johnson of Cedar Hill, Texas, William Fleming and wife Vickey of Decherd, Tennessee and Mark Fleming of the home, two special daughters, Glenda Temple and Jackie Holland of Chandler, three step-children, Rita Tucker {Clay} of Spencer, Oklahoma, Lochinvar Caldwell Jr. of McAlester, Oklahoma and Glen Caldwell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, one granddaughter, Sydney Fleming of Decherd, Tennessee, three step grandchildren, Lanon, Aundrayus and Shonese. Her extended family include, Barry, Demetra and Malcolm Lewis and her cousin Rev. Marie Sims Banks, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December, 29, 2015, at the Central Baptist Church, with Rev. James Reed officiating.

Burial will follow at Clearview Cemetery in Chandler.

Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler, Oklahoma.