Bernice Bayliss Rison, age 90, of Indian Head, Maryland passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025 surrounded by her family at her home in Charles County, Maryland.  Bernice was born November 26, 1934 in Fairfax County, Virginia to Lester and Valerie (Hampton) Bayliss.

She is preceded in death by her husband Charles F. Rison and is survived by her son, Stephen L. Rison and his wife, Sherry; granddaughters, Jennifer L. Gimmel (Michael) and Nicole Matteson (Daniel); as well as five great-grandchildren, Lance (Taylyn) and Ryan Gimmel, Mikayla, Jaxon and Levi Matteson. She is also survived by her sister Lois Swann of Abingdon, Virginia, brother David Bayliss of West Minster, South Carolina and many nieces and nephews.  

Bernice has been a resident of Indian Head since 1941.  She was a working wife and mother and worked for the Town of Indian Head as the Chief Financial Officer and Clerk to the Mayor and Council, in addition to approximately 10 years of federal government service.  She was often the first smiling face that many new residents of Indian Head encountered when they entered the Town Hall. 

Even after working she had no trouble keeping busy at home.  She was passionate about genealogy research and learning all she could about her family history.  She was a woman of God and an active member of Indian Head Baptist Church.  She served through many ministries including church historian and treasurer for many years.

Above all, Bernice's family was her pride and joy.  She was totally in love with her 2 granddaughters, their husbands and 5 great grandchildren and thought they hung the moon.  She often said how amazing it was that from one wonderful son, grew such a beautiful family.    

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Indian Head Baptist Church, 27 Raymond Avenue, Indian Head, MD 20640 or  Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (please note Bernice Rison on the memo line) or online at https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/.