Bernice Marie Waters

Bernice Marie Waters, age 99, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, two weeks before her 100th birthday. She was born May 13, 1920 in Mardela Springs, Maryland, the daughter of the late George Carlton Lloyd and Edna Jefferson (Majors) Lloyd. She is survived by her son Lloyd J. Pusey, and daughter-in-law Ella W. Pusey, her daughter Diana M. Shelton, and son-in-law Roger L. Shelton, Sr. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister, Eileen Mader and her brother, George Lloyd, one grandchild, one great-grandchild and one great-great-grandchild. She is survived by 6 grandchildren, Jim and his wife, Stephanie; Roger Jr and his wife, Michelle; Angie and her husband, Glen; Anne and her husband, Tim; Rick and his wife, Michele; and Stuart and his wife, Kim; 11 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Bernice grew up and was educated on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. As a child, she often talked about helping her mother pick huckleberries in the summer, making holly wreaths in the winter, and making yeast rolls to sell for extra money. As a teen she worked summers picking vegetables and fruits, worked at Phillips Packing/Canning Factory in Cambridge, Maryland, and worked in various sewing factories to help her family. Bernice married in May 1940 and moved to Laurel, Delaware and worked in her husband’s family grocery store. During the Second World War, she worked for the Dupont Plant in Seaford, Delaware manufacturing nylon to make parachutes, tires, and other material needed to support the war effort. She was one of six women to start at Dupont in a special training program to see if women could do “men’s” work. She married again in November 1953 and lived in Crisfield, Maryland until moving to the Woodbridge, Virginia area in 1957. She worked as a bank teller from May 1962 and retired in April 1993. She began working part-time at Sam’s in Woodbridge and retired from there at age 86. She loved working with the public and loved people. Bernice was dearly loved by her family, friends and anyone who knew her. We will miss her so much especially her wonderful stories she often told us. She loved helping people and loved to give her time and “love gifts” as she liked to call them. She was always available to help her family, friends, and neighbors. She always ended her conversations with “I love you.” She loved to bake and cook big meals for family gatherings while she was able. She was a devoted Christian. Bernice left the following note to her family, friends, and loved ones: Psalm 121:1-2 Look up to the Mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth. The family celebrates her life knowing that she is at eternal peace with the Lord. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Thank you to all those who have sent kind words and gestures. Her family suggests donations in her memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or Old Bridge United Methodist Church in Lake Ridge, Virginia.

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Bernice Marie Waters

May 13, 1920 - April 29, 2020