Bernice Jacobs

Bernice Jacobs, affectionately known as "Banny", was blessed by God, to live and pass away on February 6, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, just eight days sigh of her 95th birthday. She was born on February 14, 1931, in Edwards, Mississippi, to Emmett Underwood and Rosie Lee (Johnson) Underwood. 

Bernice grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Lincoln High School; Class of 1948. She continued her education at Penn Valley Community College, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.

On March 18, 1950, Bernice was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Harvey Jacobs. They shared a wonderful life together and were happily married for 60 years. To this union, one precious daughter was born.

Bernice was a strong black woman, with a bright spirit. She was very disciplined and showed great dedication to every task that was placed before her. On life's journey, she worked at Great Plains Furniture Company, Western Electric as a Tube Tester, and was a valued employee of the Kansas City Missouri Public School Board, which is where she worked until her retirement.

"Elegant", "Vibrant", "Talented", "Outgoing", and "Gregarious", just a few words to describe Bernice's profound character. She often shared "love and happiness", as she was a proud member of the "Joi-De-Vivre Girls", a local social club in the 50's, 60's and early 70's, that preformed musicals and hosted elaborate balls.

It's quite evident that she was a "people person" and well loved, yet her greatest joy was rooted in loving and nurturing her family. Bernice was an outstanding daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sister, Ola Marie Giles.

Left to cherish Bernice's fond memories: her daughter, Kim Brooks (Calvin); her grandchildren: Christopher Beatty (Davina), Anthony Beatty (Hennessy), Aaron Beatty and Calvin Vanreed (LaTresa); several great grandchildren; her niece, Kathy Richardson; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends,