Bernice Irene Jamison

Bernice Irene Jamison, 87, of Bonita Springs, died Thursday, May 28, 2015. Formerly of Perrysburg, OH, she had been a Bonita Springs resident since 1995. She was born June 16, 1927 in Toledo, the daughter of Mike and Helen (née Lockmiller) George. Bernice and her husband, David, met at a dance while they were students at Bowling Green State University. They married in August of 1949, and lived together in Perrysburg, Ohio before relocating to Bonita Springs, Florida in 1995. Bernice and David built a home in Pelican Landing, where they resided until they moved to The Terraces at Bonita Springs in 2013. Bernice graduated from Waite High School in 1945. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Bowling Green State University. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the leading educational honorary for teachers, and the Perrysburg Education Association, having served as treasurer and building representative. Bernice was chosen as a Jennings Scholar in recognition for being an outstanding educator. In 1980, the Perrysburg Schools selected her as their nominee for State Teacher of the Year. Bernice was a teacher in Perrysburg Schools for 30 years. She began her career in 1949, teaching first and second grades in the Louisiana Building. In the spring of 1951, she led her students with books in arms to the newly built Toth School, which was then called Elm Street School. After taking time out to raise her family, she returned to teaching in 1962. She taught grades 3, 4, and 5 at Toth School. In the spring of 1979, Woodland School was opened, and Bernice moved once more with her fifth grade students. She taught there until her retirement in 1986, with additional responsibilities as head teacher. When asked how she felt about teaching, Bernice said, “The greatest reward in teaching was watching students become successful and feeling the joy of nurturing their lives.” She approached her teaching with love and understanding, making certain her students were academically engaged and motivated. Her students appreciated her positive, firm, but gentle approach to classroom management. Bernice was described by her colleagues as a master teacher and exemplary role model. She worked tirelessly to meet the needs of each student. When describing the impact Bernice had on the lives of her three children, a parent wrote, “She found the untapped resources in each child so that each child felt important in some way.” Bernice was an active member of Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, where she served as chairman of the education committee. After moving to Florida, she joined First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, where she served as a deacon and a member of the prayer chain ministry. She was an avid bridge player, and a member of Newcomers Club, Encore, and the American Association of University Women. Artistic and creative, Bernice enjoyed taking art classes at the Toledo Museum of Art with her daughter, Shelley. She liked to travel, and made trips to destinations all over North America and Europe with her husband, David, and often her daughter, Kimberly, who was a flight attendant. Kind, patient, wise, loving and caring, Bernice was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, David Sheridan Jamison; her beloved daughters, Shelley Anne (David) McMacken of Sylvania, OH and Kimberly Sue Jamison of Ft. Myers, FL; her sister, Dorothy Kekes of Toledo, OH; and two cherished grandchildren, Scott David (his fiancée, Damali) McMacken and Andrew Jamison McMacken. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 9, at 11:00 at the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 or Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH 43551. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Bernice Irene Jamison

June 16, 1927 - May 28, 2015