COLERAIN – Bernice Ping Brooks, age 84, of Colerain, passed away with her daughter, Teresa B. Brown, on February 10, 2015 in an unfortunate accident.

She was born on September 21, 1930 to Leonard and Nell Pierce Ping in Bertie County, NC. Bernice worked as a Bookkeeper for Roanoke-ChowanHospital before retiring after forty years. She was a dedicated member of Colerain Baptist Church, serving as church secretary, Woman’s Missionary Union Leader, member of the choir, along with other various committees. She served on many disaster relief committees out of state.

Bernice was known as an avid collector of owls, Shirley Temple dolls, and family photos. She loved her family dearly and had them around as often as she could; they were never allowed to leave the house without giving her a hug. Bernice was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister that will be missed by all those that knew her.

Along with her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas Theodore Ping, and Leonard Ray Ping; and sister, Lottie Ann Ping.

Bernice is survived by her husband, James; two sons, James Lynn Brooks and wife Karen of Colerain, NC, and Thomas Wayne Brooks and wife Sandy of Chesapeake, VA; a sister, Amelia Adams of Colerain, NC; a brother, John Poett and wife Tricia of Fort Walton Beach, FL; eight grandchildren: Christie, Tonia, Jimi, Chris, Nate, Mandi, Kathleen, and Brittany, along with twelve great-grandchildren, and her beloved cat, Kitty Boo Brooks.

A time to visit with the families of Bernice and her daughter will be Thursday, February 12, 2015, from 7:00 until 9:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015, 11:00 am at Colerain Baptist Church, Colerain, NC, with the Rev. Gary Saffell officiating, with burial to follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Colerain Baptist Church, 202 North Main Street, Colerain, NC, 27924.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Brooks family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.