Bernice Benton-G-Asba was born May 19, 1923 in Sledge, Mississippi. Bernice never saw her mother because she died giving birth to her and to make matters worse, she never knew who her father was. Bernice was raised by her grandparents, Mr. Fletcher and Lizzie Benton. Bernice also never attended school. She suffered through so many hardships after the death of her grandparents. Her aunt, Gertrude Benton stepped in and took the role of being Bernice's mother. Although, these were troubling and hard times for Bernice, she always managed to make the best of her situation. At an early age, Bernice was given away to be married to Mr. Herman Grayson, Sr. From that union, she gave birth to her one and only child, Herman Grayson, Jr. Bernice was a loving mother, devoted wife and a hardworking home maker.

Bernice was known for her fancy style of clothing. She was always elegant in her appearance and loved to dance. Many years after the death of her first husband, Bernice met Mr. Tommie L. C. Gladney, a soldier in the United States Army. Tommie and Bernice married January 1, 1951 in Memphis, Tennessee. After marriage, they moved to East St. Louis, Illinois in 1952. Here Tommie was employed at Cerro Copper in Sauget, Illinois, as a tractor driver until he retired in June of 1991. Bernice worked at an upscale restaurant for many years. It was in East St. Louis that Bernice accepted the call of salvation and gave her life to God. She was dedicated to faith and served as an usher under the leadership of Bishop James L. Pittman, Pastor at East Lively Stone Church of God Apostolic Church. Tommie on the other hand became interested in the Islamic faith. He then change their last name from Gladney to Asba. Shortly after, Tommie finally confessed to Christ and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Tommie and Bernice fellowshipped together at East Lively Stone Church until his death in November of 2003. A year later, Bernice and her son, Herman Grayson, Jr. moved to Lansing, Michigan.

Bernice G Asba was preceded in death by: husband, Tommie L. Gladney Asba; aunts, Gertrude Benton and Lizzie Benton; and grandparents, Fletcher and Lizzie Benton.

Bernice went home to live with the Lord on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at the age of 93.

She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Herman (Cleaster) Grayson, Jr. of Lansing; 7 grandchildren, Cornelius Garner, Suzy (Melvin) King, Annie Mae Grayson, Loretta Grayson, Kem Grayson, Kevin Grayson and Lenny Grayson all of Lansing; 19 great grandchildren; 26 great great grandchildren; brother-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Marvin (Tranny) Carr of Denver, Colorado; sister-in-law, Miss Iola Gladney of East St. Louis; and a host of many friends.

Bernice was known for always being on the move. So much so that she received the nickname "Rabbit" and "Grasshopper". She now has hopped her way into Heaven. She will be missed but always remembered.

Ms. Bernice Asba will lie in repose Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 3-6 P.M. at Riley Funeral Home 426 West Saint Joseph Street Lansing, Michigan 48933.

Funeral service will be held Friday, March 17, 2017 at 11 A.M. at Riley Funeral Home. The Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com.