Our Dear Sister, Bernice Stacy, Celebrates her 100th Birthday

​On February 5th, 1918, Sarah Bernice Stacy was born. 100 years later on February 11th, 2018, her birthday was celebrated in Centerville, AL at The Oaks surrounded by her friends and family. The President of Delta Zeta, Taylor Curtis, had the honor of giving Stacy flowers and introducing the active members of the Alpha Gamma chapter, Stacy’s beloved sorority.
 
Throughout Stacy’s life, she has touched the lives of thousands of people and will leave behind an amazing legacy. She lives up to her nickname “shine” that she was given because she always brings positivity and laughter anywhere that she goes. 
 
In 1936, Stacy attended The University of Alabama and completed her undergrad in 1940. After being initiated into Delta Zeta, she also became the Vice President of Glee Club, a member of Black Friars, Crimson and White and played golf. Because of her busy schedule, she cherished the summers that she would travel with her sorority sisters.
 
“[My favorite memory of Delta Zeta was] when school would get out for the summer. There were only 60 of us in the entire chapter so me and my sisters would plan a vacation each year together and it helped us to bond while having fun,” said Stacy.
 
After graduating UA, Stacy went on to teach at Bibb County Jr. High for 34 years as an 8th grade science teacher and later as the librarian. She became well-known and loved by her students and community who knew her as “aunt Bernice.”
 
Her main goal as a teacher was to encourage and help those who needed extra attention. She instilled in her students to “be the best you can be.” Because of her commitment to teaching, the Birmingham Post Herald nominated her for the “Alabama’s Favorite Teacher” award in 1966. Out of the 3,000 students that she taught, 25 still keep in contact with her and visit her weekly.   
 
Stacy has accumulated a long list of “honors” over the years, some of which include- President of the DZ Alumnae in 1945, nominated as “Woman of the Year” for Bibb County by Alpha Kappa Delta in 1960, The Red Cross “Outstanding Volunteer” award in 1996, President of the Alabama School of Librarians Association in 1962 and 1st President of the Alpha Kappa Delta society of female teachers in Bibb County.
 
Although she has had many accomplishments, her proudest was helping to provide technical assistance to establish the Brent/Centerville public library. She wanted to spread her love for reading and books to others. To do this, she would host a children’s reading hour each summer and would help them find books that suited them best. 
 
Stacy’s kind-hearted and giving nature didn’t end there. She has also significantly impacted students that attend UA. There have been endowed scholarships in the College of Communications and Information Sciences given out in her name. Because of her scholarships, a number of UA students could go forward with their education. 
 
To this day, Stacy remains an avid Alabama fan and continues to attend football games and events. Her goals in life are to learn and to continue performing acts of kindness for others.
 
 - Adriana McGhee PC'15

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