Bernice Bullard

Bernice Wills Bullard was born on December 11, 1949 in Selma, Alabama to the union of George and Lula Mae Wills. She was the third of five children. Bernice accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Selma, Alabama. She transitioned peacefully from this life on May 16, 2025 at her home in Junction City, Kansas.

She graduated from Selma High School in 1967, and from Alabama State University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in English. On September 5, 1970, she married the love of her life, Dock C. Bullard in Selma, Alabama. To this union was born one daughter, Stephanie Michelle, in September 1974.

Bernice began her career as an English teacher at Selma High School in Selma, AL. She moved to Germany with her husband who was stationed there and taught high school English. She returned to the U.S. in 1978 when her husband was stationed at Fort Riley. Bernice accepted a position with USD 475, teaching English at Junction City High School in 1979. While teaching, she obtained master’s degrees in Adult Education and Educational Administration from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Bernice was a dedicated educator who loved teaching and her students. It was her pleasure to serve USD 475 as a classroom teacher and administrator for 35 years until she retired in 2011. After retirement, she spent the remainder of her days in Junction City, KS surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Bernice was a long-time member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Junction City, KS. In 2023, she united with New Church of the Living God in Junction City, KS, under the guidance of Bishop James Johnson. She was initiated in 1980 as a member of the Geary, Riley, Saline Alumnae Chapter of her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Bernice was loyal to her local chapter and attended local, regional, and national conventions throughout the country.

Known for her lively personality, she eagerly shared her knowledge to help others. In her personal time, she liked to read, socialize, shop, eat out, and laugh with her friends. Mindful of her civic duties, Bernice took an active interest in her community. Some of her activities included Junction City South Kiwanis Club, where she held leadership positions, and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Geary County. She was a supporter of Fort Riley and the armed services. Bernice was a faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, past member of Fraternal Order of the Eagles 830 Auxiliary, VFW Post 8773, and several other organizations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dock C. Bullard; parents, George and Lula Mae Wills; her sisters Lily Bell Shannon and Georgia Reese (Pete); her youngest brother, Willie James Wills; niece, Barbara Shannon and nephew, Hank Shannon.

Though her presence will be missed, she leaves to celebrate her life, a daughter, Stephanie Michelle Bullard Dennis (Shampane); her beloved brother, William Wills, Junction City, KS; and special cousin Gavin Howard, Iowa City, IA; grandchildren, Stefan Bullard-Young of Beloit, KS, Michael Nurse of Evan, GA, Andre Nurse & Joshua Young, TX, Kenshin Dennis, Junction City, KS; a cousin, David Martin, Kansas City, MO and wife Carrie, a long-time friend; special friends Barbara Parker, Montgomery, AL, Novella Lewis, Lillie Henderson, & Theresa Jackson, all of Junction City, KS, & Regina Robinson, Kansas City, KS; nieces, nephews, and many relatives.