Bernice Ellis Fisher, 88, died January 28, 2011. A native of Southampton, Co. she was a daughter of the late Sarah B. and Willie B. Ellis and the widow of John Lawrence Fisher. After marrying she spent 40 years moving wherever Norfolk-Southern RR sent her husband in the eastern and southern USA. She accepted these and all of lives challenges without complaint. She loved being with family, friends and preparing wonderful meals for their enjoyment. They retired to Courtland in 1978. She was an active member of Courtland Baptist Church and was an avid bridge player. For the past 5-1/2 years she has been a resident of Nansemond Point and Lake Prince Nursing Home.

Survivors include five sons; John L. Fisher, Jr. (Virginia Dare) of Suffolk, Dr. C. Ellis Fisher (Meg) of Gastonia, NC, George Wayne Fisher (Irene) of Newbern, NC, William Lee Fisher (Barbara) of Dothan, AL, Robert Fox Fisher (Wanda) of Belews Creek, NC; one sister, Margaret Grissom of Courtland; six grandchildren, Dr. Maxwell Fisher (Meredith), Megan Flanagan (Brian), Jason Fisher, Sarah Elizabeth Arthur (Jason), Jay Fisher (Robin), Jonathan Fisher(Macy) and seven great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be conducted Saturday February 5, 2011 at 12 Noon in Courtland Baptist Church by the Rev. Thomas R. Speight with a private family burial in Riverside Cemetery in Courtland. Memorial donations may be made to Courtland Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 148, Courtland, VA 23837 or Holy Angels, P.O. Box 710, Belmont, NC 28012. R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington Street, Suffolk is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.