Mrs. Bernice McKeown

July 19, 1934 - February 27, 2022

In Loving Memory Of Dedicated wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Bernice Graham-McKeown was born July 19, 1934 in Round Pond, Arkansas to the late Edward Graham and Lillian Jones. She was the fourth of thirteen children and she attended Arkansas Public schools. Bernice migrated to Michigan in the 1960s, there she would meet and marry her late husband, William G. McKeown. She worked as a Baker at Holiday Delight until the early 1980s and then transitioned to working as a Nursing Assistant at American House Retirement Home of Livonia until 2001. She was a wonderful example of faith and love. Bernice was a faithful member of the Church of God In Christ since the 1970s. She joined Grace Temple Church Of God In Christ in Detroit, MI under the leadership of Pastor Franklin Garrison. She moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2005, there she attended Abundant Life Cathedral Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Stenneth Powell Sr., where she remained a member until she returned to Michigan in 2013. Bernice was known for her style and grace. She had a great sense of fashion and kept her hair together! She enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, fitness and spending time with her family. Bernice was also known for her delicious sweet potato pies and peach cobbler. She had a love for her dogs Tonga, Big Daddy, Kyle and Cisco. Family was very important to Bernice. She looked forward to family gatherings and even had a meal ready when you came to her house. She will be thoroughly missed by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Willie G. McKeown, her parents Ed and Lillian Graham, sisters: Pearline, Louise, Eddie May and Lena, brothers: Herman, Ira, Johnny and Freddie, her grandson Melvin and two dear friends: TJ and Clady. She leaves to cherish in memory her siblings Ida May, Leodis, Arthur and Deloris. Her children: Shirley (Henry) Chesnut, Deborah (Gerald) Field, Archie (Mari) Simmons, Bradey (Chris) McMillian. Ten grandchildren: Vanessa, Lenard, Melvin, Leonard, Tanya, Lasheena, Amber, AJ, Asia and Dartanion, 15 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, a special friend/niece Brenda Walker and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. On the afternoon of February 27, 2022, Bernice peacefully transitioned into the arms of Christ. She showed compassion to all who knew her and had unwavering love for Christ throughout her life’s journey. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.