Obituary of Bernice Dillings
Obituary of Bernice Dillings
Bernice Dillings was born on September 13, 1949, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Arthur Dillings, Sr., and Elizabeth Dillings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Arthur Dillings, Jr., and Roosevelt Dillings, Sr.
Bernice graduated from Bonds Wilson High School in 1968 and later attended Rice Business School, where she developed a foundation that would support a long and multifaceted professional journey. She began her career as a legal secretary, where her exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail were immediately apparent. She went on to serve at Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary in South Carolina, supporting theological education with grace and dedication.
A creative spirit and entrepreneur, Bernice founded LBS Decorative Baskets, a small business based in South Carolina that showcased her artistic flair and craftsmanship. She also worked for several years at Lockheed Martin in South Carolina, where she was known for her professionalism, work ethic, and collaborative spirit.
Her talents extended to the culinary arts as well. With her deep love for cooking and baking, Bernice became the co-owner of Sorbé Catering: A Taste of Elegance, a New Jersey-based business that brought sophistication and heart to every event it touched.
After relocating to New Jersey in 1994 to be closer to her mother and immediate family, Bernice continued to thrive professionally. She eventually joined the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, where she remained until retirement. In this role, she was widely respected for her integrity, diligence, and calm leadership. Bernice built lasting relationships with her colleagues, who admired her unwavering commitment to justice and community service.
She leaves to cherish her memory two devoted children: LaVaughn Dillings (Kelli) of South Carolina, and Shannon D. Schafer of New Jersey. Her grandchildren—Logan Schafer (Colorado), Landon Schafer (New Jersey), Sydney Dillings (Georgia), and Kierra Wright (Ricardo) (South Carolina), meant everything to her. Bernice also adored her great-grandchildren: Noah, Jackson, and Jayla Wright. She was predeceased by her great-granddaughter, Bella Wright.
Bernice is also survived by her loving siblings: Alvin Dillings, Esq. (Doris); Paul Holmes (R. Elaine), and Betty Johnson. She leaves behind a large extended family—a village of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, church family, and spiritual children—whose lives she touched deeply.
From a young age, Bernice was steeped in faith, raised in Trinity AME Church in Charleston, SC. As an adult, she continued her spiritual journey with unwavering devotion, becoming an active member of Shiloh AME Church in North Charleston, SC.
In 1994, Bernice moved to New Jersey to be closer to her mother and immediate family. There, she joined Mt. Zion AME Church in New Brunswick, where her steadfast walk with Christ continued.
Later, Bernice found her way to St. Paul AME Church in South Bound Brook, New Jersey, where she was a current and devoted member. She gave her all—heart, time, and energy—to both her church and the broader community, faithfully continuing her ministry of service, leadership, and love.
Bernice was a woman of integrity, discipline, and boundless enthusiasm. She lived her life with high standards, never shying away from a responsibility or a difficult task. Her candid spirit, strong faith, and radiant friendship left lasting impressions on all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Bernice served in a multitude of church and community leadership roles, including:
· President of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
· PME Director of WMS
· Worship Leader
· Director of the Young People's and Children's Division (YPD)
· Sunday School Superintendent
· Member of The Lay Organization
· Director of the Youth Community Outreach Program
· Member and contributor to numerous committees and church
Organizations.
Bernice’s life extended beyond her home and church into the greater community. Her heart belonged to Christ, who she loved and served fervently. She was a vessel through which God worked—loving, speaking, and helping with a sincere and selfless heart.
We shall indeed miss Bernice dearly. Her legacy is one of service, faith, love, and light. May her life inspire others to continue the work of the Lord with the same fervor and devotion she exemplified.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Penn Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
For those who wish to send a note of sympathy to the family, cards may be mailed to Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069, c/o Bernice Dillings.
