Bernice C. Moorehead

Bernice (Berenice) C. Moorehead, daughter of the late Luke and Bertha Mercer, was born June 21, 1934 in Port Chester, New York. Bernice, who was called “Bern” by her closest friends, went to her eternal rest on Friday, February 27, 2015. Bernice and her beloved husband, John, enjoyed a long and loving marriage and raised three children, Edwina, Jonathan and Jason. Bernice was a graduate of Jamaica High School in Queens, NY, received a B.S. in Social Welfare from New York University, and attended graduate studies at Rutgers University. She dedicated her life to helping others as a medical social worker for St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic, NJ, and as a parent coordinator for the Bergen County Head Start program. Bernice was also an assistant teacher for the Teaneck and Englewood school systems. A Teaneck resident for the past 50 years, Bernice was proud to serve as a den mother for the Boy Scouts of America. She was a board member of the Children’s Aid and Adoption Society of New Jersey and the Child Care Coordinating Council of Bergen County. Professionally, she was a member of the 4C Coordinating Council of Bergen County, the National Association of Social Workers, NAACP, and the League of Women Voters. She was also a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Jack and Jill of America Inc., Bergen/Passaic Chapters, the African American Educational Center, and the Bergen County Community Action Program. “Mom Mom,” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, had a love for life. She enjoyed playing tennis with her husband John, cultural and educational outings with her grandchildren, and Cub Scouts. Interior decorating, gardening, baking, crocheting, and hosting special events were also her passions. She was an avid reader, and in her heyday enjoyed singing while accompanying herself on the piano. Bargain shopping and antiquing were her favorite pastimes. Most noted for her fashion sense, she was often seen wearing a stylish chapeau. Bernice is pre-deceased by her husband John, sister Edwina and brother Lorenzo. She leaves behind daughter Edwina, sons Jonathan and his wife MaryAnn, Jason and his wife Yllen, sisters Mary Ann and Violet, sister-in-law Connie, nephew Paul and his wife Courtney, and niece Pamela. Seven grandchildren: Quiana, Andre, Courtney, Tristan, Craig, Logan and Luke; great-grandson Philip; great nephews Russell, Christopher and Caleb and a host of cousins and life-long friends. Family and friends are invited for visitation Sunday, 12-2PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 789 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck. Funeral Service immediately following, 2pm, at the Funeral Home. For more information and to view Bernice’s tribute page, please visit volkleber.com