Bernice Claudetta Baker Pugh

Bernice Claudetta Baker was born eleventh of twelve children to Edd and Lena Ash Baker  in Iron City, Seminole County, Georgia on February 19, 1932. She accepted Christ at age of 11 and worshipped with her family at the New Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.

Bernice discovered a desire for teaching. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Fort Valley (GA) State college she began her career with the Seminole County Training Schools.

On July 7, 1957, Bernice married Charles Pugh and together, they moved to Washington, DC raising their two sons.

In 1961, Bernice received appointment from the District of Columbia Public School System  as a teacher at Harrison Elementary School. Her teaching career ranged from Early Childhood Development through the primary and intermediate levels. She would later receive a master degree from Trinity (College) University. In addition to teaching, Bernice was the Grade Level Chairperson for the first and fourth grades, the American Red Cross Teacher Sponsor (1967-94), and PTA School Treasurer.

In August 1988, Bernice and Husband Charles became members of Israel Baptist Church in Washington DC. She served her church as a deaconess, member of the trustee Auxiliary, Leader of February STEM, Congress of Christian Education-PNB Convention, Board of Missions Director, and New Members’ Class Instructor. In 2001, she was ordained as a deacon and served as Secretary of the Deacon Ministry.

She retired in 1994 and devoted her Christian passions as Sunday school teacher and deacon at Israel Baptist Church. Bernice was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles in 2001. Bernice departed this life on May 2, 2018 and is survived by sons, Charles (Carmelita) and Gary (Adrian), Three grandchildren, Alicia, Charles 111, and Gary Jr, and host of nieces, ne[hews and cousins.

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