Bernice Webb McKee, 100, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at her residence in Charlotte, NC.

Selma Bernice Webb McKee, daughter of the late James R. Webb, Sr. and Selma Turner Webb, was born in Anderson County, South Carolina on November 7, 1925 and departed this life on June 11, 2026 at her home. The family moved to Charlotte when she was a baby. Bernice was the second of seven children and the last to gain heavenly wings at the age of 100 years and seven months.

Bernice attended the Charlotte public schools and graduated with the third class of West Charlotte Senior High School. She graduated from the Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing on May 16, 1946, as a Registered Nurse (RN). For years, Bernice was the only nurse at Johnson C. Smith University. She loved the students and staff. When she retired, two nurses were hired. She became a head nurse at Mercy Hospital and later did private duty.

She was joined in matrimony to John Lyle McKee on June 6, 1947, and to this union was born one daughter, Wandra Violetta.

At an early age, Bernice joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and regularly attended as long as she was able. Along with other church members, she served breakfast at the Uptown Men’s Shelter. She also volunteered with another group to serve evening meals. The Charlotte Observer posted an article stating how the men looked forward to seeing her because they loved her green beans. She could make canned green beans taste fresh! Her tips were shared in the article. Bernice was an excellent cook whose friends often requested her food. She was known for her parties and cookouts.

For over 25 years, Bernice volunteered at Loaves and Fishes. She also worked the Mecklenburg County Voting Poll at Lincoln Heights School.

Bernice always stayed busy. Her counted cross stitch pieces are works of art. She was an avid bowler with several trophies, she played Pinochle and Pokeno monthly, and she was always ready to play Dominos and Scrabble. For years, her yard and flower boxes were the best on the street.

Bernice was a people person. She loved her family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. She never met a stranger. To know her was to love her because you felt her caring spirit and love.

The memory of Bernice will be cherished by her daughter, Wandra V. McKee; nephews, Arthur B. Smith (Ellen) and Andre Webb (Pamela); nieces, Patricia Morrow, Rhonda Odom, Cara Reid, Cassandra Adams and Marjorie “Vickie” Miller; godson, Michael Nesbit (Andrea); chosen sons, David Bland and Everett Staten; chosen daughters, Phyllis Polk, Barbara Marshall and Evelyn Diallo; devoted caregivers, Nanette Little and Omou Conteh; many other nieces, nephews, family members, friends and current/past neighbors; as well as those who helped her through the years with house and yard projects who not only became her friends but also adopted her as their mother.

A Mother

More than a woman, she’s your dearest friend, always there when no one else is around, always giving of herself, and giving her all. Someone who will never laugh at your mistakes, for your hurt becomes hers. Always standing beside you, never in front or behind you. As strong as an oak tree, yet as gentle as a morning rainfall and as beautiful as a sunset; everlasting beauty that will never perish. My mother . . . I love her so.

- Cynthia Smith Medina