Bernice Demps (Lansing)

Bernice “Elaine” Demps, age 74 transitioned to be with the LORD on August 27, 2023, at Mother Theresa’s Hospice House in Lansing, MI. She was born on October 19, 1948, in Lansing, MI to parents James and Bernice Demps. Bernice, lovingly known as “Elaine” was a caring daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend who dedicated her life to her family. Elaine was an incredible aunt – known affectionately by her “kids” as “Annie”. She was always there for her nieces and nephews and shared a large part in all of their successes in life. Her career spanned many years as a Human Resources Management professional for the State of Michigan before retiring in 2002. Elaine was also an entrepreneurial Life Coach for her business, Choices, and also a member of Toast Masters.

Elaine grew up in Lansing, where she graduated from Sexton High School in 1966. She went on to attend Ferris State University and then Central Michigan University where she earned a degree in Speech and Language in 1971. She furthered her learning, obtaining her master’s degree in communications from Michigan State University in 1973. Elaine was a lifelong learner and was always willing to impart her wisdom and share all that she had learned throughout her lifetime.

In her free time, Elaine was an avid shopper and shared her love of Chipita earrings and Dooney & Burke purses with us all, as she showered friends and family with her love language of giving. We were all also witnesses to her multiple daily Amazon deliveries that flooded her porch on a regular basis. She was a lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, where she attended throughout her childhood and into her adult years.

Elaine shared her love through a deep bond with her family and she will be deeply missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory, sister, Susie Stanley (Demps) of Georgia; nephews, Travis (Irene) Stanley of California, Terrance Stanley, Terril (Lisa) Stanley, both of Georgia, and Vincent Demps of Florida; niece, Tia Harris of Lansing; special great nieces, Brittany and Jazmin Harris of Lansing; close friends, Rita Canady, Rita Turner, Valerie West, Roslyn Abrams; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many more friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, James and Bernice Demps; brother, James Demps, Jr.; and nephews, Timmy and Thomas Demps.