Bernice Proctor Carkum

Bernice Proctor Carkum departed this life on February 28, 2021 at the age of 87. Beloved Wife of the late Curtis Waydell Carkum, Jr.; Daughter of the late Matthew Proctor, Sr. and Mildred Banks Proctor; Loving Mother of Shelly Carkum Lombard, Curtis Waydell Carkum III, Monique Carkum Edwards and the late Duane Proctor Carkum; Sister of the late Matthew Proctor, Jr. and Clarence Louis Proctor, Sr.; Godmother of Deanna Bernice Proctor and Vera Lynn Flowers. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, three nieces and nephews along with a host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. Carkum graduated cum laude from Dillard University and obtained her Masters in Education from Harvard University. She taught in the New Orleans Public Schools for over 35 years. She loved teaching and 5th grade was her favorite grade. But her first love was her children and her grandchildren. Relatives and friends of the family, are invited to the visitation; also employees of Orleans Parish Schools, and members of Gentilly Baptist Church, Tulane Memorial Baptist Church, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., The Traveling Book Club, the International Reading Association, and Women for Progress Action are all invited to attend from 9AM to 10AM at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125 on Wednesday March 10, 2021. Due to COVID-19, A Private Funeral will be held from 10AM to 11AM. Interment will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Mrs. Carkum’s beloved alma mater Dillard University. Please join us by livestream www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing.