Bernice Exley

Bernice Baxley Exley, 75 of Hope Mills, passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023 at FirstHealth Hospice House in West End.

Born on May 4, 1948, in Whiteville, Bernice was the daughter of the late Malcolm Lawrence and Oline Hayes Baxley.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Exley; daughter, Michelle Exley; son, T.J. Exley; granddaughter, Lilly Exley; grandson, Braylon Exley; sisters, Linda Frender and her husband Richard, Alice Nichols and her husband David, and Kay Yepez and her husband Ascencion; and a host of other family members and friends.

Bernice was a graduate of Massey Hill High School in Fayetteville. She worked as an office clerk at Cape Fear Valley Hospital for several before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Fred. Marrying a soldier in the U.S. Army led to Bernice relocating to different places, such as Ft. Benning and Ft. Hood, before finally making her home back in NC. Throughout the years, she welcomed two beautiful children into her life and later became blessed with two wonderful grandchildren.

Bernice was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, caring sister, and amazing friend. She will deeply missed and forever cherished by everyone who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/.