Bernice Izetta (Iles) Bronaugh was called home by her loving Savior after completing her earthly journey on March 7, 2025, at the age of 96.

Affectionately known as "Baby," Bernice was born on July 27, 1928, in Quincy, Illinois, to the late George and Juanita Iles. She accepted Christ at the age of 12 and was an active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and sang in the Young Adult choir. She graduated from Quincy Senior High School.

In July 1947, at 18 years old, Bernice moved to Racine, Wisconsin and became a devoted member of Wayman AME Church, becoming one of its first ushers, and sang in the choir. She worked at Lerner's Department Store as a window dresser and took vocal lessons.

Five years later, in1952, she married the love of her life, Arthur L. Bronaugh, Jr, and together they united for 51 years of marriage until his passing in 2003. She adored her family, extending her love to in-laws, and made it a tradition to share her homemade cookies, fudge and chop suey during the holiday season.

Bernice loved serving the Lord at Wayman, devoting her time to different organizations like the Hospitality Committee and Kids Cafe. She sang in the Youth Choir, Gospel Chorus and United Voices for Christ Choir. Bernice oversaw the Parsonage Committee as Chaplin and Chairman, served as a Class Leader and an elected Trustee. Bernice received the Unsung-Shero Award in 2006 and was ordained a Deaconess of the Church on September 26, 2019.

Bernice was employed at Western Publishing for 34 years, working on the shipping line and in the Boat Store. Her passion for helping children led her to volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program through Goodwill Industries, assisting students at Mitchell Elementary School in Kindergarten through Third Grade with reading, writing and math.

Whether reading, baking, crocheting, working on a numbers puzzle, coloring or watching a ball game, Bernice welcomed you in with a friendly smile and warm heart. She leaves to celebrate her Homegoing: Debra (Jon) Perry, Tighe Bronaugh, Darren (Karla) Bronaugh, Grandchildren, Justin (Tamara) Bronaugh, Janelle Bronaugh, Adrian Perry, Courtney Bronaugh, Brittney (Jameson) Thompson, Bryan Garrett Bronaugh, Kayla Bronaugh, Tyler Bair, and Trenton Bronaugh. Nephew, Daniel Iles. Great Grandchild, Ayden Bronaugh and a host of family, cousins and friends.

Proceeding her in death are her parents, George and Juanita Iles, Arthur L. Bronaugh, Jr., son, Jeffrey Bryan Bronaugh, brother, Colonel George D. Iles, nephew, Bruce Adrian Iles, mother and father-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephew-in-law and great aunts, uncles, cousins.

Homegoing Services will be held in Wayman AME Church (424 N. Memorial Drive Racine, WI  53404) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Thomas Poole officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Viewing will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and in Wayman AME Church on Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Service Details

Homegoing Services will be held in Wayman AME Church (424 N. Memorial Drive Racine, WI  53404) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Thomas Poole officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Viewing will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and in Wayman AME Church on Wednesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Wayman Church has provided a link to view the service on Wednesday by selecting the following link:

https://meetings.dialpad.com/m/room/wayman

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