Obituary of Bernice Brown Dobbins

Versailles - Bernice Brown Dobbins, 85, returned to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. Bernice “Granny” was born in Versailles, KY on March 5, 1937 to Rosa Williams and William Allen Brown. Rosa passed away during childbirth, along with Bernice’s twin sibling. Her Aunt Parthesia “Polly” Francis- Jackson, Rosa’s sister, lovingly opened her heart and home and raised Bernice as her own. Bernice was raised alongside her cousins and she cherished those childhood memories.

Bernice was a member of the First Baptist Church in Versailles, KY. For many years, she was the pianist for the Youth Ministry. Bernice was very proud of her self-taught talent and enjoyed sharing her gift through praise. She knew the importance of reading the Bible daily and built a firm foundation in Christ. She trusted the Lord and strongly believed “he worked in mysterious ways and he knew what was best.”

Cooking was the love language of her soul. Bernice put a lot of love into the preparation, cooking and serving of meals. She shared her passion at home and at Woodford Memorial Hospital, where Bernice was the Head Cook and worked alongside her daughter, Frenchie, for over 20 years. She was a big help to her husband, Jake, in his efforts to further his career with the Justice system. In June 1970, they celebrated as Jake made history in Versailles, KY as the first African-American Patrolman for the Versailles Police Department. From a young age, Bernice had a profound dedication to her only child, Frenchie Forita Carter. Her family was a very tight, close-knit family that enjoyed the simple family pleasures of daily interaction and family meals.

Her last “job,” she worked for over twelve years at being a great patient with weekly dialysis treatment. Her dialysis team became her second family and held a very special place in her heart. Bernice and her family are so grateful for their thorough and dedicated care. Granny was feisty and fun, she could cut up with the best of them, but always in a kind and entertaining way. She even modeled resilience with humor. Very simply, she was a joy to be around. She kept her mind sharp by keeping up with current events and working word puzzles. She was a loving and devoted Mother, Spouse, Granny and GranGran. She leaves her family to treasure her memories and words of wisdom.

She was pre-deceased by her birth mother, Rosa Williams, her Mom Parthesia Francis- Jackson, her husband Jake (Jimmy/James) Butts Dobbins and her daughter, Frenchie Forita Carter. She is survived by her grandchildren, Charmayne Carter of Lexington, and Clinton (Theresa) Carter of Nicholasville and her great granddaughters and Goddaughters, June AnnaMarie Carter and Tessa Forita Carter.

Visitation will be at Clark Legacy Funeral Home in Versailles, KY on Thursday, 11/3/2022, from 11am- 1pm. A Celebration of Bernice’s Life will follow at 1pm.