On May 7, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, Bernice Mabel Gatewood was born to Tyree and Alvaree Gatewood. After living a very full life of 89 years, on November 28, 2025, she passed away at her home in Savannah, Georgia.
She is survived by her husband of over thirty years, Charles Edward Moore; her three children, Ralph (Barbara) Armour of Suwanee, Georgia, Pamela (Mark) Armour-Dachs of Miami, Florida and Phillip (Rosalyn) Moore of Liberty, Ohio; nine loving grandchildren, Loren Armour, Sherese (Kevin) Woodward, Elena and Eric Moore, Zachary, Nigel and Jordan (Cecilia) Armour, Brett (Brian) Gaswirth, Casey (Evan) Samek; and, eleven great-grandchildren. She is survived by dearly-cherished cousins, numerous family members and friends.
Bernice graduated from North High School and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degrees in Education from Kent State University. Beginning in 1958, and over the next thirty-five years, Bernice devoted her career to improving the lives and educational experiences of youth in her community. She worked as an English and Social Studies teacher for Youngstown City Schools, Canton City Schools and Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. Her contributions, however, were not limited to the classroom. She also worked for nearly two decades as a
guidance counselor and a district hearing officer for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District. In Canton, Ohio, she served as the Director for the Northeast Ohio Headstart program and the Director of the Girls Extension Program for Pregnant Girls. In the 1980’s, she served as a program officer and interim assistant director for Kent State Desegregation Center (KEDS).
Bernice was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), the Heights Alliance of Black School Educators, and the American Association of University Women. She served as a deacon at Mt. Zion Congregational Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bernice was a talented piano player and a tai chi devotee. She loved spending time with her family and friends and watching football. She was a mentor to many and was always willing to help anyone in need.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Cleveland, Ohio at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the United Negro College Fund or the American Cancer Society.
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Barbara Blanton
Your circle of girlfriends miss you so much. Our lunch dates will never be as much fun without you. We’ll try to convince Charles to join us so we can keep the Moores in our group. We were all so fortunate to have found this small group, and we will cherish those years we shared with you. Friendship is a sacred gift.
Mary A. McCain James
Dear Charles and Family So sorry to learn of the passing of your wife and mother. Bernice was so smart in high school I always admired her talents. I just found you guys a couple years ago and now my classmate and friend is with our heavenly father. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in heavenly peace. Mary McCain James Dayton Ohio…malice1542@gmail.