Wanda Bernice Effinger

Whereas God Almighty in His wisdom and glory called His daughter, the beloved Wanda “Bernice” Effinger, into His providence. We the family in humble submission join together to say God’s will must be done, thank you Lord for eighty (80) years of life and blessings you gave our loved one.

 Bernice was born to Lewis Douglas and Lucy Mildred Boyd on January 27, 1944 in Louisville, KY, and gained her wings on July 1, 2024. Her parents preceded her in death, as well as, brothers John Thomas Williams, and Louis “Junie” Boyd, a nephew she helped to nurture, John ‘Little Man” Taylor, and aunts she cherished, Ruth Hampton and Katherine Stroman. Bernice confessed her faith in Jesus Christ, and many years ago was baptized and joined Zion Baptist Church in Louisville, KY. In 2001 she moved to Florence, Ky and united with First Baptist Church in Elsmere, KY. 

 Bernice leaves to cherish her memory, a loving and devoted daughter, Amanda “Poochie” Jones (Calvin), granddaughter Tiffani Sha’Dae Hall, grandson TyJuan Isaiah Jones, and great granddaughters Aria Danielle Hall and Amaya Ryelle Franklin. Throughout Bernice’s journey in life, she was thankful for the love from the Effinger, Womack, Taylor, Wilson, Jones, Norwood, Chapman, and Scales families, plus a host of other special relatives and friends. 

 Bernice graduated from Central High School (Louisville, KY) in 1962, and retired from Philip Morris in 1998, after 30 years of employment at the age of 55, which was a very proud moment for her. Bernice always gave God the glory for transportation provided by family and co-workers to get her back and forth to work for 25 of those 30 years. At the age of 50, she persevered with “Faith over Fear” and got her driver’s license and brought her a car! After a few years of driving, she purchased her dream car, a red Cadillac. Bernice loved the Louisville Cardinal’s and the Cincinnati Reds, teams that championed her favorite color red.

 Bernice instilled in her family to trust in Jesus Christ, be respectful, obtain a college education, always maintain employment, and do great things! Bernice’s recent joy was seeing Patty Labelle in concert (a surprise Mother’s Day gift from Amanda). She loved going to stage plays, her daughter’s sorority events, trips to Gatlinburg, TN, Orlando, FL, Atlanta, GA, cruising to the Bahamas, and attending the annual luncheons hosted by the “Daughters of the King of N.KY”, a women’s fellowship ministry, established by Amanda in 2016. Bernice was also proud of the career accomplishments of her family, and like most matriarchs, blessed to see they were doing well. Bernice also loved going to see her great granddaughter Aria cheerleading at little league football games and competitions. She was Aria and Amaya’s “Gigi” and just hearing them call her “Gigi” warmed her heart and lit up her smile. Bernice’s Pomeranian ‘Foxie’ was her bestie who she loved dearly. Bernice lived a blessed life and leaves a legacy of strength, faith, and love!