Bernice Mae Arrington

North Augusta, SC – Mrs. Bernice Mae Arrington, 81, entered into rest January 12, 2023. Memorial Services will be conducted Thursday afternoon, January 18th, at 2 o’clock in the Posey Funeral Chapel with Rev. Toby Rowell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 1 until 2 o’clock. Bernice was born August 23, 1942, in Lincolnton, GA, to the late James L. Oldham and Mamie Virginia Davis Oldham. Growing up, she was called “Penny” by her friends and family and was always considered a social butterfly. Formerly a resident of Augusta, GA, she was an active member of her community. She was a devout Christian woman who served God faithfully as a member of several church families through the years. Bernice attended Calvery Baptist Church, South Haven Baptist Church, and Fleming Baptist Church. Bernice loved to travel and directed church trips to many locations, including Alaska, Canada, Nashville, Branson, and numerous cruises. She was the epitome of a proper southern homemaker and mother. Bernice proudly maintained an immaculate home and prepared homemade meals for her family daily. She had a great passion for cooking and baking and was awarded countless blue ribbons for her culinary entries in the Exchange Club Fair and other contests. As an active community member, she was involved with the Augusta Women’s Club, and during her membership, held all leadership offices. Bernice directed the Miss Georgia Forestry Beauty Pageant, both locally and at the state competition in Jekyll Island. Additionally, she was awarded the Lifetime Josephine Carter Award, alongside her dear friend, the late Betty Davis Heil. Bernice will be fondly remembered as the matriarch of her family, having raised her children with unending love and protection. However, she allowed her children to grow through personal experience. Her children always knew they were loved unconditionally, but also knew they did not want to see their mother on the “war path.” In recent years Bernice’s health faded as she developed Alzheimer’s. A disease which robs the mind, she managed this illness with dignity and love, maintaining her beloved personality, with a beautiful mind, body, and spirit. She was never combative, rarely anxious, always had endearing words for others. Bernice was affectionately called “Mama” by all of her caregivers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Oldham; and an honorary sister, Liz Savage. Surviving family members left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband of 60 years, William “Bill” Arrington; two sons, Robbie Bates (Jan) and Lenard Bates; two daughters, Ginger Arrington and Britton Randall; a brother, Julian Oldham (Tass); and six grandchildren. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to Via Cognitive Health (Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care) 1901 Central Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803)278-1181. Visit the registry at www.POSEYCARES.com

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Bernice Mae Arrington

August 23, 1942 - January 12, 2024