May 7, 1936 — November 28, 2025 

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 Bachelor’s and Master 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 1980s, she served as a program officer and interim assistant director for the Kent State Desegregation Center (KEDS).

Bernice was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, the 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 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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