Ms. Bernice Leach

October 7, 1944 - September 17, 2017

Bernice Leach, born October 7, 1944, in Raleigh, NC to the late Louis and Febbie Leach, departed this life early Sunday morning, September 17, 2017. While living in Raleigh, Bernice accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Saint Anna Freewill Baptist Church. Bernice moved to Lexington at the age of 14 where she attended and graduated Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School Class of 1964. Bernice excelled in Mathematics and English. Bernice would eventually join Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church pastured by Reverend Dr. T.H. Peoples, Jr. A few years after graduating high school, Bernice attended the University of Kentucky seeking degrees in Social Work and Business Administration. She worked at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital on Leestown Road and U.S. Postal Services on Nandino BLVD during her professional career. Her love and her great ability for cooking delicious food led her to establish, manage and own several restaurants and catering services in the Lexington area. Eventually, she retired from Sayre School following a fall that affected her ability to walk upright for the remainder of her life. Bernice was always very loving, nurturing and compassionate, trying to help anyone she could. She loved her family unconditionally. Her dedication to family was unwavering until her death. She was well loved by her friends, family and her community. She was admired by many for how she tenderly cared for her mother. She’s best remembered for her fine culinary skills, her Butterscotch Pies and her unending willingness to help others. Cherishing her memory is Harvey Cloyd; son- Reginald Collins, Tampa, FL; Daughters- Sheilyn Patton, Shauwn (Stephon) Sims, Harvey´ Cloyd, Nadia Cloyd and sister Rosa Smith, all of Lexington; Aunt, Cozy Mae Tillman, Harrisburg, PA; Uncle, Andrew Leach and Family, Raleigh, NC; 13 grandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by a great- granddaughter Katherine Raneille Howard; sisters Dorothy Lee Leach and Mary Lee Leach- McCord. Bernice touched the hearts of so many people. She will be truly missed on this side but we know that her soul is resting as it is rocks in the bosom of Abraham.