Bernice Cumbo Coles
July 22, 1930 — December 14, 2025
A devoted educator.
A woman of grace and purpose.
A life that shaped generations.
Her Story
Bernice Cumbo Coles, 95, was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, and transitioned peacefully in Raleigh on December 14. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend whose presence brought comfort, laughter, and light to everyone she met.
Bernice was the proud mother of two children, Kimberley Coles and Clifford Coles, and the cherished grandmother of Malcolm. She is also lovingly remembered by her in laws, Sara Berg Coles and Dr. E. Jaye Johnson. She was surrounded by a wide circle of family love and is survived by several wonderful nieces and nephews.
Bernice was born to Kitty Glover Cumbo and Benjamin Cumbo Sr., and was the baby of the family. She was reunited with her siblings Inez, Thernotta, Benjamin Jr., Eunice, and Thelma.
A graduate of Shaw University, Bernice carried her love of learning into a life of service and teaching. She was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Her Legacy
In the 1950s, Bernice moved to New York City with her then husband, Clifford Coles Sr., where she flourished and became a beloved and sought after teacher. She was a master teacher in North Carolina for several years and also taught in Brooklyn, New York at P.S. 138. Bernice made learning fun, meaningful, and full of possibility. Former students still reach out with heartfelt notes about how she shaped their lives, encouraged them, and helped them believe in themselves.
Bernice was loving, kind, caring, and funny. She never met a stranger and had a special way of making people feel welcome right away. She loved writing poems to cheer others up, offering words that brought smiles, hope, and peace. She lived with quiet, steadfast faith, and her faith showed through the way she treated people.
Her most beautiful quality was the way she made all who entered her world feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. To know Bernice was to feel cared for.
Bernice Cumbo Coles leaves a legacy of love, service, joy, and education. Her life touched generations, through her family, her friendships, her faith, and the countless students who carry her lessons forward. A memorial service will be announced shortly. The family thanks you for your love, prayers, and support during this time.
Celebration of Life Service
The family will make an announcement here about the celebration of life date and location. As of now, it has been tentatively scheduled for mid January 2026 in Raleigh, NC.
Memories in Pictures
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"Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on—in lessons remembered, values passed down, and love that continues to ripple outward."
The Bernice Cumbo Coles Foundation
In honor of Bernice Cumbo Coles' lifelong dedication to education, the family has established the Bernice Cumbo Coles Foundation to support Arts and STEM education in underserved communities.
Our Vision & Values
Compassion
Supporting students with empathy and understanding
Innovation
Fostering creativity and critical thinking
Community
Building bridges through shared learning
Excellence
Empowering students to reach their full potential
Program Focus Areas
Arts Education
Supporting creative expression through visual arts, music, theater, and dance programs in underserved schools.
STEM Initiatives
Providing access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics resources and mentorship opportunities.
A Lasting Legacy
Bernice Cumbo Coles believed that education was the foundation of opportunity and the pathway to a brighter future. Through this foundation, her commitment to nurturing young minds continues, ensuring that children in underserved communities have access to quality Arts and STEM education.
Every student deserves the chance to discover their talents, pursue their passions, and achieve their dreams. The Bernice Cumbo Coles Foundation carries forward this vision, one student at a time.
The Bernice Cumbo Coles Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization