Mrs. Berenice Mayes Herbert Simons
September 1, 1946 – August 22, 2024
Making a grand entrance in Jackson, Mississippi, on September 1, 1946, Berenice Elizabeth Mayes came into the world as the fourth of seven children to the late Augusta Sr. and Hazel Mayes. Her name, Berenice Elizabeth—Bearer of victory, symbolic of achievement and triumph, and a reflection of God’s promise—seemed to set the stage for a life rich in fulfillment and grace. In 1957, the Mayes family moved to Huntsville, Alabama, to ensure that the children would be able to receive a Christian education at Oakwood College, now University.
From an early age, Berenice embodied joy and enthusiasm. As a child, she was a lively spirit, unafraid to embrace new adventures. She skated with grace in the college gym, sang with passion in the academy choir, and found delight in cooking alongside her Mother. Her hands nurtured gardens and flowers with a magical touch, turning simple plants into vibrant, flourishing blooms. Her academic journey was marked by excellence, as she progressed through Anna Knight Elementary School and Oakwood Academy, ultimately graduating from Oakwood College in 1969 with a degree in Elementary Education.
Berenice’s professional journey began in Bakersfield, California at Bakersfield Adventist Academy, where she took her first step in her teaching career as a church schoolteacher followed by her time at Los Angeles Union S.D.A. School, now Los Angeles Adventist Academy. Her 30-year marriage to Kenneth Herbert blessed them with two precious daughters, Berenice Nicole “Nikki” and Kenya Monique. There was no greater joy for Berenice than nurturing and celebrating her daughters’ milestones as a devoted stay-at-home mom. When Nikki and Monique were still very young, the family moved from Pasadena, California to Huntsville, Alabama to be closer to their extended family and friends.
Upon their return, Berenice began her work at Oakwood, first in a part-time capacity as a Dean and later as a kindergarten teacher at the campus child development laboratory. Her exceptional skills and loving touch with children were evident, as she fostered a close relationship with her students and their parents. She held a firm belief in the alignment of home and school to achieve the most successful outcomes for children. She was an “old school” teacher who believed that impeccable grooming and professional dress were essential for setting an example and motivating her students.
Her commitment to lifelong learning led Berenice to pursue a Master’s of Science degree in Education through a special graduate program offered by Andrews University on the Oakwood campus. Upon completion of her graduate degree, she began teaching with Huntsville City Schools, first at West Mastin Lake Elementary and later at the Academy for Academics and Arts. Her classrooms were a canvas of her creativity, adorned with beautifully decorated bulletin boards and walls. Renowned for her classroom management skills, Berenice also mentored new teachers and served on Southern Association for Colleges and Schools accreditation committees.
Her storytelling captivated her students, reflecting her innate passion for teaching. Berenice’s professional growth continued as she sought further knowledge at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, earning an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Following this educational accomplishment, she spent a summer in Washington, D.C. on special assignment for the Department of Education evaluating school progress records.
In 2004, she embarked on a new life’s journey when she married John Douglas Simons, gaining a cherished bonus family. With siblings Judi Wright (Bill), Billy Simons (Pam), and children, Dawn Brown (Lorenzo), Leah Daniels (David), Jay and Christopher Aaron Simons (Shareyl), as well as grandchildren Trisha, Ella, Illiana and Julian Simons; Maya and Jonathan Brown; Lauryn, Mia, and Erin Daniels, and great-grandchildren, Berenice found joy in the expanded family bonds.
After marrying Doug, whom she affectionately called JD, the couple moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. There, Berenice resumed her teaching career but, they soon decided to retire in Huntsville to be closer to family and friends. Together, she and Doug cherished mornings spent reading and studying the Bible and Sabbath School lessons, and they enjoyed serene evening walks around the pond near their home. She found gratification in keeping an exquisitely furnished, inviting home and entertaining family and friends. Her yard was always impeccably picturesque as she took such delight in flower and plant arranging. Even in retirement, Berenice contributed to the wellbeing of children as an early childhood assessment specialist for Pearson, Inc.
Yet, beyond all her professional achievements, Berenice’s most profound joy was found in her role as Umi (grandmother). The sheer delight and sparkle in her eyes when she was with her grandchildren was unparalleled, a testament to the depth of her love and the richness of her life.
In every chapter of her life, Berenice lived with grace, commitment, and boundless love, leaving a legacy of victory and triumph that will be cherished forever.
Berenice was predeceased by her parents, Augusta Sr. and Hazel Mayes; siblings, Augusta Mayes Jr., Valenchia Mayes Gavin, and Oliver Mayes; brother-in-law, Elverton Mapp; and nieces, Cheryl and Alfreda Mayes; and, great-niece, Sheretta McGahee.
Those left behind to await reuniting with Berenice on the Sea of Glass, in addition to those already named above, include her beloved husband, Chaplain John Douglas Simons; her devoted daughters, Berenice Nicole “Nikki” Baptiste (John) and Kenya Monique Collins (J.C.); and her cherished grandchildren, Wynter and Reese Baptiste, and Jaxon, Cain, and Harper Collins.
Her sisters, Hazel Richardson and Ava Mapp; brother, Charles Mayes (Debra); and sister-in-law, Ruby Dean Mayes. Her loving nieces and nephews, Dr. David Richardson Jr. (Chasity), Kymberly Anderson (Clarence), Christopher J. Richardson, Dr. Kim Long, Tenika Mapp, Anithea Poe (Titus), Charles Mayes Jr. (Kymberly), Dominique McNish (Christopher), and Edwin Mayes (Nyjeri).
Great-nieces and great-nephews, Brandon and Jaylin Richardson, James Patrick and Nicholas Gavin, Priscilla Nelson (Joseph), Demetrius (MeMe) Parker (Leonard), Nylah Oliver, Chara Richardson, Devante and Paris Jennings, Nikki Wilson, Mack, Konnor, and Kirklyn Thurman, Katia, Anika, and Jahmeco Parham (Natasha), and Isaiah Donegan. Favored cousins: Anna Rose, Sharon Thompson, Sandra Beckard, Janice Bowman, Rosalind Littleton, Audrey Samuels, and Vickie Towns; Darryl Matkins, a special friend and hair stylist; along with a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. David Richardson, Jr. as eulogist. Interment will be in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens.
Public viewing will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
