On August 23, 2020, Bernice (Ryle) Fox passed away peacefully at the age of 93. She was affectionately called Nana by those who knew and loved her. Beautiful memories of 'Nana' live on in our hearts.
Bernice was born on March 13, 1927 to La Verne (Modestine) and Raymond Ryle in Indianapolis. She attended Crispus Attucks High School. It was there where Bernice would meet, George Fox, the love of her life. Wed in 1947, she and George shared 17 years of marriage before she was widowed. They had a beautiful family of nine children (Brenda, Allen, Paul, Phillip, Agnes, Lawrence, George, Marita and Michael).
Bernice had a successful career at RCA for many years. During a maternity leave from RCA, she had the opportunity to cook professionally at St. Bridget's school. This was an opportunity to focus on two of her great loves in one place: children and the culinary arts. She also enjoyed a lengthy employment by Hooks Drug Store. In spite of having established careers in other areas, Bernice longed to return to her passion for cooking incredible meals and baking extraordinary desserts. She accepted a position at MCL cafeteria where she worked for a number of years. This was followed by an opportunity to do the same with a local catering company. Over the years she has cooked countless meals for strangers, family, friends, and church members. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of eating food prepared by Nana could never forget her culinary talent. Even into her senior years Bernice continued to bake wedding and birthday cakes for family and friends. Bernice was a naturally talented cook who always took her craft seriously and worked tirelessly to produce baked goods that were as beautiful as they were delicious. She especially loved to spoil all of the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren with homemade sweets like donuts, fried pies, cakes and pies.
Bernice was a woman of faith, a committed and loyal member of the Catholic church but could enjoy worshiping anywhere that taught about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. She was a long-time member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church. After its closing, she joined Holy Angels Catholic Church As a convert to Catholicism she held her relationship with the Holy Spirit deep in her heart, always asking Him for guidance in her life and asking him to help loved ones in need. Even when she was in tremendous pain. she relied on her relationship with the Holy Spirit to help her. Bernice did not complain but chose to pray instead, believing that He would watch over her and bring her relief. She trusted the Holy Spirit completely to heal her pain weather it was physical or emotional, and often talked openly about how He answered her prayers. She encouraged others to trust the Holy Spirit and lean on Him just as she did.
Bernice was an avid reader who would often devour piles of books from the library. When spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren she would often share details about the books she was reading and ask them to do the same. She enjoyed puzzle games like word search. Bernice also found pleasure in playing bingo and the penny machines at the casino. Yet, no activity eclipsed the joy that she felt when spending time with family. Even in her advanced years she was always willing to help with babysitting young family members.
Bernice was a woman of great compassion. She loved passionately and cared deeply for the well-being of others, especially children. As her children were growing up the family home was often filled with children from the neighborhood. Bernice cooked for the neighborhood children and her children's friends without complaint. She cooked for them as if they were her own and corrected them when needed just as she would her own children. Everyone got the same treatment if he or she was out of line!
Bernice was always willing to take up a new interest. Later in life she became a devoted golf fan. As Tiger Woods garnered fame and success, she adoringly referred to him as her grandson. Bernice was deeply touched by seeing an African American play the game with such skill. She loved cheering him on just as she had cheered on many of her grandchildren in their sporting endeavors throughout the years.
Bernice was preceded in death by her father, mother, husband, brothers, Charles, David and Thomas and her son Paul Anthony Fox. Her memory will be cherished by her surviving children, Brenda L. Smith (Joseph), Allen E. Fox, Phillip D. Fox (Gwen), Agnes Philps, Lawrence M. Fox (Rita), George B. Fox, Marita E. Fox, and Michael W. Fox (Kim); 24 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Humbly Submitted ………………………..The Family
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Exotic Planter was sent by Misty, Debbie, Brother and Aunt Mary.
Grand Pedestal Basket was sent by Kem and Greta.
Seasonal Garden Fireside Basket was sent by Helen Perry/Denver, CO.