Bernice Bogan

Mrs. Bernice “Bonnie” Bogan, age 83 and wife of James T. Bogan, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 24, 2021, at her Spring Hill, Tennessee residence.

Bernice was born on August 3, 1938, to “S.T.” Matthews and Hattie Matthews in Senatobia, Mississippi. The Matthews family moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1947 and joined Progressive Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Cook. Bernice fell in love and married James T. Bogan on March 16, 1963.

She worked as an administrative secretary for McCord King Junior High School in Benton Harbor, Michigan for many years before retiring in 1994. She was the southwestern regional district Girl Scout Director in Benton Harbor, Michigan with her four daughters.  She instilled the importance of education to her children and volunteered for the Benton Harbor school system’s after school program to help children strengthen their reading skills. Bernice was soft-spoken and spirited with a warm personality and could often be found walking for exercise. She loved her community, enjoyed being a Mary Kay sales consultant and always wore a smile.

She was devoted member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan where she faithfully served as Sunday School teacher, Assistant Director of the Baptist Training Union, a member of the Mothers Board and the gospel chorus.

In addition to her loving husband James, she is survived by her five children, Donna (Garry) Phillips of Spring Hill, Tennessee Darlene (Allen) Sheard of Las Vegas, Nevada, Doreen (Randy) Smith of Columbia, Tennessee, Gwendolyn Humphrey of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and James “Marc” DeMarco Bogan of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Bernice is also survived by brothers Edward “Leroy” (Wyhomme) Matthews of Battle Creek, Michigan, Dr. Zakee (Chucky) Matthews of Hayward, California, and sister Ruth Ann (Robert) Blair of Lansing, Michigan, sisters-in-law Rita Matthews and Octavia Matthews; brother in law, Earnest “Buddy” Lloyd, Sr., 17 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Velma Barron, Florida Mae Lloyd, CT Matthews, Carl Matthews, and Willie Matthews.

Please join us Thursday, January 6th at 3 pm ET/12 pm PT online to celebrate the life of Bernice Bogan (August 3, 1938-December 24, 2021). Feel free to bring a photo or memory to share.

Zoom details:

Topic: A Celebration of Life
Time: Jan 6, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92914077385

Meeting ID: 929 1407 7385

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ak6P9FCU1

Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee, is assisting the family with arrangements.