It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Bernice Mae Venable Hines of Kenbridge, VA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
Bernice spent her working life as ['CAN for AmeriCare Plus'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Bernice's was one.
Bernice Mae Venable Hines was born on September 1, 1958, to Ruth Venable and Joseph Wright. At an early age, she confessed Christ and joined the New Witt Baptist Church where she sang on the youth choir, and as an adult, she remained a faithful member of the Usher Board. She graduated from Prince Edward County Schools in 1977.
She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Thomas Hines and was blessed with two daughters. Bernice was employed as a supervisor at Carbone of America, later worked as a CAN for AmeriCare Plus, and eventually became a Training Specialist for Crossroads CSB; where she remained until her health began to fail.
Anyone who knew Bernice loved her, she had a loving, playful, and compassionate spirit. She was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Being a great cook, "Bernie" didn't mind fixing a plate for anyone who stopped by. She was especially known for her potato salad. In her spare time, she also enjoyed fishing with her husband, from their boat, because Bernie refused to stand on any bank!
In the months that she was treated at Fresenius Kidney Care, Bernice was thankful for her wonderful caregivers, she often prayed for their strength. She was especially grateful for the staff at Southside Hematology & Oncology; where she became fond of every single nurse, the feeling was likely mutual, as she was often called "Princess" during her visits for treatment.
Bernice Hines departed this life on May 2, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital after a battle with cancer, spanning 7 years. She never complained, her body had grown weak, but her faith remained strong. "I don't know what y'all are thinking, but my mindset is that no matter how bad it looks, or what happens, I know that God has got me and will work it out", she said to her husband and daughter during one of the last conversations of her life.
Bernice was preceded in death by one daughter, Alicia Hines, her parents, and one brother, James Venable.
She leaves to cherish in her precious memories: her husband, Thomas; daughter, Perkita Hines; her dear Aunt Savera Redd; sister, Evangelist Virginia Craig (Rev. Ray); brother, Abraham Venable; "sister" Catherine Hines-Smith (Gary); one brother-in-law, Ronnie Hines (Evangelist Geneva); six sisters-in-law, Minister Joyce Richards (Marvin), Mabel Hines, Gertrude Hines, Dorothy Hines, Velma Hines, and Clara Venable; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
