Bernice Kay (Beard) Dill, age 80, of New Johnsonville, Tennessee, passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Born on September 12, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee, Kay was the third daughter and fourth of five children of the late Herbert and Nell Harrison Beard. She spent her early years between Memphis and New Johnsonville and graduated from Waverly Central High School in Waverly, Tennessee, in 1963.
Kay attended Plaza Beauty School in Memphis and worked as a licensed cosmetologist for more than 50 years, spending most of those years serving the citizens of New Johnsonville. In addition to cosmetology, Kay was an entrepreneur who owned and operated Dill’s Greenhouse and Florist and later Katie’s Pools in New Johnsonville. At the time of her passing, Kay was retired.
Kay was first married to the late James W. Wagner, with whom she had two children, Monica and James. She later married James H. Dill, and together they welcomed a son, Matt.
She was a longtime member of the New Johnsonville Church of Christ.
Kay loved cooking, especially during the holidays, and cherished hosting family gatherings for those she loved. More than anything, she loved her family and especially treasured her role as “Nanny” to her seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She also spent several years caring for her mother, mother-in-law, and aunt during their final years.
Kay is survived by her three children: daughter Monica Hope Berry (Steve) of Henry, Tennessee; sons James Stockdon Wagner (Tiffany) of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Matt Dumont Dill (Stephanie) of New Johnsonville, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Brook Wyatt (Josh) of Henry, Tennessee; Bethany Rickard (Anthony) of New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Alexee Craft of New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Jayden Dill of New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Tylar Dill of New Johnsonville, Tennessee; Mayci Dill of McEwen, Tennessee; James Wagner, Jr. and Jacob Wagner of Bartlett, Tennessee, along with three great-grandchildren. Kay is also survived by her sister, Shirley Miller of Franklin; her brother, George Beard (Linda) of New Johnsonville; six nephews; and one niece. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Dill; a brother, James Beard; and a sister, Nell Rose Baird.
Per Kay’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services, and cremation has been chosen.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the loving and respectful care shown to their mother during her final months.