Bernice Snead Luckes

A treasured mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved friend to many.

Born and raised in Newport News, VA, Bernice was the cherished daughter of Mathew and Emma  Snead. From an early age, she radiated beauty—both inside and out. Her kindness, grace, and ever-present smile touched everyone she met.

Bernice was a proud graduate of George Washington Carver High School, Class of 1952, where she sang in the choir, was a cheerleader, took drama classes, and participated in on-stage plays. It was there she met her future loving husband of 61 years, Charles Luckes,  who preceded her in death in 2014.

Her spiritual life began at an early age at First Baptist Church of Jefferson Park, Newport News, where she played the piano and sang in the choir.  She also played the piano for the Gospel Stars, a gospel singing group that included her talented mother. Later, she became a devoted member of Colossian Baptist Church, serving faithfully for over 60 years. In 2000, she was licensed as a minister serving the members of her home church.  She played the piano for all three choirs and founded several ministries, including the Male Chorus, the Altar Guild, Praise Team, Bread Program, and the Golden Spirits.  While head of the Golden Spirits, she led them on memorable trips to the White House, U.S. Capitol, Hampton University Museum, and the Ferguson Center.

In 1992, while owning Luckes Hairweaving and Beauty Salon, Bernice searched the Hampton Roads market for credible schools that prepared students to become successful in the beauty industry.  The results of her research determined that there was a need to establish a school that would teach students the fundamentals of hair and skin care in an environment that was professional and supportive for producing the very best. With over 50 years of combined experience as well as being a respected cosmetologist, Bernice, along with her daughter, Clarice, developed Luckes Beauty Academy in 1998.

Bernice was also a founding member of the Newport News Business and Professional Women’s Club, where she helped to raise scholarship funds for young women. A proud member of the Newport News NAACP, she was a pioneer in Virginia’s beauty industry—introducing hair weaving to the region and becoming a founding member of the National Hairweaving Association. She also served as a beauty/fashion contributor on the Bottom-Line WAVY TV 10.

In 2008, she co-founded Good as New in Yorktown, VA, a consignment boutique with her daughter, Joy, offering high-end clothing, shoes, and accessories to professional women.

She is survived by her loving children: Lydia Whitaker (Early), Kim Luckes, Clarice Thomas (William), and Joy Jefferson (Ronald).  She has six grandchildren: Tasha, Charles, William, Kayla, Morgan, and Christina.  Her great-grandchildren are Zoe, Kameron, Teā, Alex,  Alana, Ja’Zir, Giovanna, Kyran, Celine, Kaia, Isabella, Riley, and Charlotte. She is also survived by her older sister, Dorthy Bailey, whom she talked to often, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church members, and friends.

A celebration of Bernice's life will be held at Noon on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Colossian Baptist Church.  Interment to follow in the church cemetery.  Mrs. Luckes may be viewed on Monday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of her service in the church.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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