Bernice Louise Carson

Bernice Louise Carson passed away at Sunrise of Northville on Monday, February 16, 2015 at the age of 95. Bea, as she was known to her friends, was born in the town of Munger, Michigan, the daughter of August S. and Louise D. Sommer. Her parents farmed, and at an early age Bernice began working on the farm. She attended the one room Whatcheer School from kindergarden through the eighth grade. In those days, schooling above the eighth grade required a tuition to be paid. So instead of continuing her formal education, Bea went to work as a maid and nanny in Bay City, Chicago, Everett, Washington and in Redford. But during this time, Bea continued her education through correspondent courses. She eventually received her high school diploma from Bay City High School. Yet this did not end her education, for she enrolled in the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing, from which she received her RN degree. She met Wayne Carson in 1950, and they married in 1952. The couple resided in Toledo, Detroit, Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe Woods and finally in St. Clair Shores. After her family was raised, she went to work for the American Red Cross, from which she retired in 1985. Traveling with her husband throughout the United States and Europe was something she enjoyed immensely. Attending and being active in her local Methodist church was of prime interest to her. She was a longtime member of Mt. Hope United Methodist of Detroit, St. Clair Shores 1st United Methodist and Wayne-Westland 1st United Methodist churches. In 1995, her husband of 43 years passed away. She is survived by her children Arlayne ( David ) Sanders and Clayton Carson; grandchildren Morgan ( Justin ) Okley and Kathryn ( Christopher ) Matthews and great granddaughter Rebecca Matthews. Bea also leaves behind her brother Earl Sommer and sister Arlene Younker. She was preceded in death by her sister Aletha Maticka and brothers Harold and Clarence Sommer. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 6 pm until 9 pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, where funeral services will be conducted on Friday at 11 am. Later, she will be laid to rest beside her husband at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.