Uncrowned Community Builders

Bernice C. Caldwell, the third child of Ernest Davis and Eva Smith Davis, was born on the 21st of February 1925. On this date, she began a life of dedication and sacrifice to her religion, family and community. Her first question has always been, "what can I do for you"?

Bernice has spent most of her life in the place she loves the most, Chandler, Oklahoma. In 1943, she graduated from Douglass High School as class valedictorian and immediately entered near-by Langston University. While at Langston, Bernice was affiliated with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, received an Outstanding Service Award, and was president of the Philorati Club. In 1947, she graduated with honors-Cum Laude.

Bernice has managerial experiences in many professional areas. For several years, she operated a child-care center sponsored by the Southern Baptist Association in nearby Shawnee Oklahoma. As Director, she was responsible for overall management of the center and for overseeing the performance of its many activities. From 1966 to 1971, Bernice worked as supervisor of the packaging department of the Denier Mills Company. The company produced goods for K-Mart, Target and other major chain stores. As a small business owner Bernice owned and operated her own restaurant in Tryon, Oklahoma.

From 1971 to 1977, Bernice was employed as a language arts and social studies instructor by the Chandler City Board of Education. In this position, she taught at various local schools. At Langston University, she worked in the Extension Program and was involved in her favorite areas of home making and gardening.

One of Bernice's longest and most interesting experiences has been serving as Sunday School Teacher. She has been Sunday School Superintendent of the Central Baptist Church for 30 years and often teaches teen-agers whose parents were former students.

In the last few years Bernice, has been an elder care employee taking care of her two older brothers. Reuniting her family again, after so many years, has been very exciting.

As a member of the Central Baptist Church in Chandler since 1933, Bernice continues to serve God in many ways and reminds everyone, that no obstacles are so great they cannot be overcome with faith.