Aug. 6, 1921 – Aug. 27, 2013

NATCHEZ — Services for Bernice May Abrams, 92, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at Crown Health and Rehab, will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with the Rabbi Debra Kassoff officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time today at the funeral home.

Mrs. Abrams was born Aug. 6, 1921, in St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of Joseph May and Henrietta Schwartzmann May. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her generosity toward her family and friends.

Mrs. Abrams was a member of Temple B’nai Israel in Natchez. She was a contralto opera singer and was accepted to Julliard School for the Arts at a young age. She instead chose to marry George Abrams, who she had met 24 days prior, while in Natchez visiting her cousin Edith. She took part in the Medicine Show at the Natchez Little Theatre and was a vocalist for a number of local churches and organizations.

Mrs. Abrams was also part of the Pink Ladies at Natchez Regional Medical Center and a charter member of the Natchez Junior Auxiliary. She was a fashion maven who brought an injection of excitement and culture to everything she attended and to anyplace she resided.

Mrs. Abrams was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Abrams; and three siblings, Ruth May Adler, Elaine May Berman and Henry May.

Survivors include two daughters, Elise Rushing and husband, Homer, of Natchez and Judy Abrams of Tarzana, Calif.; three grandchildren, Karen Rushing of Natchez, Keith Rushing and wife, Jill, of Hattiesburg and Kurt Rushing and wife, Christina, of Brandon; four great-grandchildren, Emily Rushing, Buck Rushing, Nicole Rushing and Alex Rushing; one sister-in-law and loving friend, Lois Abrams of Chevy Chase, Md.; a special nephew, Gary Abrams and wife, Nancy; a number of other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and a very special friend and caregiver, Mary Ann Nichols.

Pallbearers will be Homer Rushing, Keith Rushing, Kurt Rushing, Buck Rushing, Gary Abrams and Carson Abrams.

Memorials may be made to the Natchez Temple B’nai Israel or to the Natchez City Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.