Mother Bernice Lee Scott

Bernice Lee Scott transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, January 1, 2026 while surrounded by family. She was born on August 7, 1939 to the late Aaron K. Morris Sr. and Eunice Hayslett Morris in Nansemond County, Virginia.

Bernice provided personal care for over 30 years and was known for her compassion and dedication to her patients. She enjoyed helping others, both professionally and personally. Her career was not just a job; it was a calling to serve others.

Bernice dedicated her life to Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of Balm Church, serving on the Pastor’s Aide committee and Mother’s board. Even during periods of prolonged illness, her faith never wavered. She looked forward to attending church services whenever she was physically able to do so.

Bernice was the beloved matriarch of the Morris-Hayslett family, a mother figure to many. She generously shared her wisdom, words of encouragement, and nurturing spirit with all who knew her, always offering guidance and unconditional love. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, particularly during holiday gatherings.

Bernice will surely be remembered for her passion for cleanliness and order. She took great pride in maintaining a well-kept home. Crumbs, dirt, and fingerprints never went unnoticed. The spotless kitchen, freshly polished furniture, and vacuum patterns in the carpet were all familiar sights to those who visited her home.

Bernice was preceded in death by her late husband, James Scott; daughter Andrea Saunders; brothers James Walter Morris, Aaron Morris Jr., Edward Morris and Albert Morris, sisters Dora Mae Norman and Apostle Deborah Morris Copeland; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Wynn Scott.

Bernice leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted children, Jan Atkinson (William Jr.), Ricky Scott Sr., Vernon Scott Sr. (Donna), and Bernard Scott Jr. (Michelle); sisters Brenda Wade (Lee) and Rev. Barbara Willie (Antonio); brothers Dr. William Morris (Mildred) and Johnny Morris (Nora); grandchildren Vernon Scott Jr., Sharonda Garrett, Ricky Scott Jr. (Jasmine), Vernita Bailey, Dorrick Atkinson (Tanisha), and William Lamont Johnson (Kanikka); eight great grandchildren; son-in-law Warner Saunders; brother-in-law Sam Scott (Peggy); sisters-in-law Pearlie Mae Scott, Lois Meggie, and Sarah Morris; nieces she considered daughters Janet Langston (Rufus), Paula Baker, Galina Bailey (Malcolm), and Nicki Mahone (Aladaius); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family; and devoted friends Dorothy and John Brinkley, Juanita Johnson, and Bertha Hall.

Bernice will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched with her steadfast presence and caring spirit.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Balm Church East Campus. She will be laid to rest at Balm South Church Cemetery.

Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.