Mother Bernice B. Player

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, our hearts were saddened by the passing of our loved one, Mother Bernice B. Player. Mother Player, a lifelong resident of Petersburg, Virginia departed this life at HCA Tri-Cities Hospital in Hopewell, Virginia.

Mother Player was the daughter of the late Robert C. and Maggie R. Chambliss. As a long-term employee of the Petersburg Public School System, she specialized in the preparation of deserts and bread making. She was also a Foster Grand Parent to the children at Cool Spring Elementary School and Westview Early Learning Center.

Mother Player was baptized and received the gift of the holy spirit with Zion Apostolic Christian Memorial Church under the guidance of the late Elder Linwood Christian. She later united with the Calvary Temple Church family in 1988 under the leadership of Apostle Wesley Taylor, Sr. She grew up singing with her sisters, the Chambliss Singers, a joy she never strayed from. At Calvary, Mother Player sang with the Senior Choir, was a Sunday School teacher, a Prayer Warrior, Missionary, Eveready Singers, Altar Worker and served as a Pastor’s Aid.

Mother Player was predeceased by her husband Frank C. Player, brothers: Ernest E., Robert C., Charles D. and Crispus A.; sisters: Ora C. Phillips, Mary C. Artis, Daisy C. Lane, Maggie C. Brown, and Julia C. Balthrop.

Mother Player is survived by one daughter, Sandra C. Williams of the city, three grandchildren, Benjamin Williams, Jr. (Donna), Highland Springs, Michelle R. Brent and Darryl A. Williams (Nikeisha) both of Petersburg, sister-in-law, Ethel Chambliss, eleven great grandchildren and twenty-two great-great grandchildren and two great great-great grandchildren. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks to the Birdsville and Westview community. Appreciation is extended to Michelle, Misha and Kyeria, her caregivers, for all their acts of kindness and to her special friend, Mrs. Delores Christian-Smith and her Calvary Temple Church Family and the ICU Staff at HCA Virginia TriCities Hospital.

Services will be held 12:00 P.M., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Refuge Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 1890 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, Elder Jerry Rose, Senior Pastor, and District Elder Wesley Taylor, Jr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2026 at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6177289?fl=so&fe=fs