Bernice Harris Roberts

Bernice Harris Roberts, 91, of Kershaw, SC, the beloved wife of the late Robert Sikes Roberts, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Mrs. Roberts was born to the late Arlevia Robinson Harris and the late Sammie Albert Harris. 

For over 40 years, Bernice was a proficient and trusted Administrative Assistant for the managers at Springs Industries. She embarked on a second career as the copy editor at the Kershaw News-Era. She had a gift for the written word and editing. Bernice enjoyed her years at the newspaper, because it kept her relevant and connected to her community. Bernice was a pillar in the Center Grove Baptist Church where she lived out her faith over 65 years serving as the church treasurer, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, helping with women’s ministries and serving on hospitality committees. Her faith sustained her all her life.

 She was a lovely Southern lady with modern sensibilities whose greatest joy was being surrounded by her wonderful family and friends. She was admired for her kindness and strength, and the community had great appreciation for the way she treated each person with dignity and kindness. She enjoyed being current with her extensive reading newspaper headlines and following every sport imaginable - especially Lady Gamecocks basketball and even in the end, the Paris Olympics. She is survived by their three children Robin D. Roberts (Elizabeth), Washington, DC, J. Kim “Hoppy” Roberts (Kathryn), Heath Springs, SC, Beth R Baxley (David), Columbia SC; seven grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth Baxley Rush (Tripp), Columbia, SC, Griffith Roberts Roth (James), Washington, DC, Katherine Roberts Herndon (Jonathan) Richmond, VA, Dr. Amelia Baxley Abercrombie (Michael), Sumter, SC, Blythe Roberts McNerney (Ian), Washington, DC, Dr. David Eric Baxley, Jr. (Ellen), Charleston, SC, Robert Sikes Roberts II (Sydney Anne), Kingstree, SC; and eight great-grandchildren, Cyril Berwyn Rush IV and Robert Harold Rush, Columbia, SC, James Porter Roth, Harrison Merritt Roth and Charlotte Griffith Roth, Washington, DC, Merrill Blythe McNerney and Grayson Elizabeth McNerney, Washington, DC, and Sikes Lemuel Abercrombie, Sumter, SC; sister, Wilma Arledge, of Camden, SC, and many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful to the support of her wonderful caregivers at Karesh of Beechwood and the staff and Hospice at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center.  

The family will receive friends at Baker Funeral Home on August 10, 2024, 6-8 in the evening.  

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 4 PM at Center Grove Baptist Church, Kershaw SC. A private burial will precede the service in the Kershaw City Cemetery. The Rev. James Hanf will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Center Grove Baptist Church, 6028 Center Grove Road, Kershaw, SC 29067.