Mrs. Bernice Arnold- Bilal

Celebrating The Life Of Bernice Arnold-Bilal: Bernice Arnold-Bilal was born on October 27, 1942 in Milledgeville, Georgia. She was the second of three children born to the late Tom and Mary Elizabeth (Bess) Arnold. Her older sister, Rosalyn and younger brother, Tom preceded her in death. Bernice was baptized at Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Milledgeville, Georgia at an early age. She grew up in a loving Christian home. She loved helping people and always enjoyed a good laugh. Bernice was educated in the Baldwin County School System. Upon completion of high school, Bernice moved north to Michigan and began her college education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan pursuing a degree in Nursing. She completed her education at Hinsdale College in Chicago, Illinois receiving a degree in Nursing. Upon completion of her degree, Bernice moved to Detroit and was employed by the Henry Ford Hospital Health System. She later worked at the Detroit Medical Center at the Sinai-Grace location until she retired. Feeling she retired too soon, Bernice continued to work as a visiting nurse on a part-time basis with many medical companies servicing those requiring home care. Bernice provided medical advice to her family and friends to assure that they received the best care possible. Her sense of laughter and her professionalism aided in the healing of many. She knew that along with medical treatment “laughter” was required for healing. Her career choice, nursing, was based on her Christian values. After moving to Detroit, Bernice embraced the faith that her mother, Mary Elizabeth had helped to establish in Milledgeville, Georgia – the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Bernice joined City Temple Seventh Day Adventist church in the mid ‘60’s. Bernice loved to go to church and to camp meeting receiving the word as it fed her for the activities she enjoyed. She was a devoted member and attended church and sabbath school on a regular basis until she departed this earth. Though she bore no children of her own, Bernice loved children and she loved spoiling her eight younger cousins. As she was older and fully employed, she would treat her cousins to rides to school on cold days, special events like the Ice Capades, the Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Circus and sporting events. But, in order to receive these prized events you had to have good grades and be well behaved. And make no mistake she had no problem saying “No, get your grades up then you can go”. She had more “Clout” than the parents! Bernice was an international traveler before it was popular. She visited Paris, Rome, Switzerland and Mexico with her many girlfriends. In her younger days, she was an avid bowler on several leagues. In 1998, Bernice married Matthew Banks-Bilal. She and Matthew enjoyed many road trips, family reunions of both the Hitchcock and the Huff-Arnold-Reeves families and played a key role in organizing these events. She and Matthew loved going to plays in New York and here at the Detroit Music Hall. Bernice and Matthew frequented the Sahara restaurant. She loved Chicklets gum, chocolate candy bars and talking on the phone with family and friends. Her favorite stores were “J.L. Hudson’s” and “5-7-9” because she was “petite.” Bernice departed this earth on October 8, 2015 after a long battle trying to recover from a stroke.

Mrs. Bernice Arnold- Bilal

October 27, 1942 - October 8, 2015