Obituary of Bernice Pippens

Bernice Brownlee was born on February 20, 1936 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was one of nine children born to Charlie and Wisie (Crummie) Brownlee. Bernice served as a majorette while attending high school. On August 31, 1952 she wed the love of her life, L.Z. “Shorty” Pippens. The couple enjoyed fifty-two years of marriage and were blessed with eleven children. The Pippens family lived in Miami, Florida until 1973 when L.Z. got a job with Detroit Edison which brought them to Monroe, Michigan. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Bernice made it her life’s work to care for her home and family.

Bernice knew her way around the kitchen. No one made better collard greens, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, or dressing. She also enjoyed playing bingo and participated in a bowling league. Bernice loved to listen to the sounds of 50’s and 60’s Blues and Soul music, especially Sam Cooke, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and B.B. King. In her elder years, she enjoyed relaxing in front of the television watching reality shows, game shows, especially “Family Feud”, and never missed an episode of her favorite soap operas.

A sensitive soul, Bernice cared deeply for all of God’s creatures. She held funerals for animals, often singing a heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace” at their graves. Bernice also shared her beautiful voice with her loved ones on their birthdays. She never missed celebrating anyone’s special day. Bernice also made it a priority to attend the sports games of her beloved children who were most precious to her. Always loving and ready with a comforting word, Bernice was the keeper of everyone’s secrets.

Bernice Pippens, age 88, of Monroe, Michigan was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday, June 21, 2024. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: L.Z. “Shorty” Pippens in 2004; three of her children: Zina Pippens, Zimmerman Pippens, and Antonio Quintin Pippens; three brothers: Willie Edward Brownlee, Charlie Brownlee, and Woodsey Brownlee; and two sisters: Qwila Carr and Madeline Jackson.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her seven children: L.Z. (Gail) Pippens Jr. of Miami, Florida, Julia Ann Warren (Jim) of Savannah, Georgia, Lorenzo Tracy Pippens of Monroe, Christopher Pippens Sr. of Monroe, Zachary Scott Pippens of Monroe, Veronica Tara Pippens of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Merlene Dora Pippens of Monroe; thirty grandchildren; fifty-six great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two brothers: Joe Brownlee of Toledo, Ohio and Melvin Brownlee of Miami, Florida; her sister Mary Brownlee of Miami, Florida; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather on Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration will follow at 4:00pm also at Merkle’s. Bernice’s life will also be celebrated at Hall Ferguson Hewitt Mortuary in Miami, Florida followed by burial at Caballero Rivero Dade North Cemetery in Miami.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.