Bernice Broaden

November 14, 1938 - July 6, 2018

Obituary Bernice Oates Broaden was born to the late Bishop E.P. Oates and Missionary Mary Roberts Oates on November 14, 1938 in Gastonia, NC and departed this life on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Gaston Memorial Hospital. Bernice received Christ at an early age under the leadership of her father Bishop E.P. Oates. She later answered the call of ministry where she became an ordained minister, while attending Bethlehem C.F. Church of God. As a part of ministry she and her sister Betty O. Feemster traveled to various Counties singing and praising God through music. She also served on different organizations within ministry. Bernice was a Teachers Aide and Nurses Aide for many years here in Gaston County. She helped to establish the Myrtle B. Hoffman Head Start Program in Gastonia, NC, along with others in Charlotte, NC. After retiring from the Gaston County School System, Bernice continued to teach and tutor many children here in Gaston and Cleveland Counties. Bernice had a passion for playing the piano, which opened the way for her to develop a great compassion to teach and perform music within various genres, including, performing Opera with an Orchestra in Charlotte, NC. She served as a member of the Little Theater of Gastonia. In 1994/’95 Bernice opened her own School of the Arts in Gaston County. She catered to underprivileged youth that had an interest in learning music and dance. Many of her students went on to pursue professional careers in music. Bernice was preceded in death by her late husband Herbert Broaden; her son, Samuel L. Brice; her parents, Bishop E.P. Oates and Missionary Mary Roberts Oates; three sisters, Grace Oates Wilson, Mable Oates Moore, and Betty Oates Feemster; one brother, Samuel L Oates. She leaves to cherish her smile and memories to her sons, William R. Brice(Juanita) of Gastonia, NC; Robert D. Brice(Sherry) of Dekalb, GA; Eric D. Brice(Barbara) of Gastonia, NC; thirteen grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.   To send flowers to Bernice's family, please visit our floral section.