It’s with sadness and heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Berecia L. Innis-Gumbs also known as “Bea” who passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Berecia was born on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands on December 21, 1945 to the late Ivanna Canton-Innis and Edwardo L. Innis, Jr. Bea was a dedicated employee of the Virgin Islands Lottery for over 30 years before retiring in 2009.
Berecia survived by her son, Alvin “Bello” Richards; daughter, Angela Wade-Smith; sisters, Lorraine Branford and Beryl Innis; brother, Randolph “Askia” Innis, Sr.; grandchildren, April Milliner, Jahmal, Jareem, Jakeema, and Caprisha Richards, Adante Martin, and Adajah George; great grand-children, Aniya Lincoln and Ja’Reya “Bella” Richards; aunts, Hortense Innis, Lillian Greaux, Mae Odlum, Clarice Canton-O’Connor and Harriett Canton; uncle, Alvin Canton; nieces, Debra “Debbie” Williams, Nilka Branford, Princess and Tova Innis; nephews, Randolph “Lil Randy” Innis, Jr., Jermaine Branford, Askia, Wachumbee, Jason, Askiban, Zedekiah, and Quon-Z Innis; son in-law, Roylando Smith, Sr.; close friends, Norma Gumbs, Leonard A. Smalls, Jr., Josephine “Josie” Henley, Bernice Fredricks, Ethlyn Saunders, Jean Howard, Corralie Emmanuel, and Mrs. Rose Dawson.
Berecia also survived by many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Tributes and pictures can be sent to bereciagumbstributes@gmail.com by May 14.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the first viewing on Thursday, May 29, at 4-6pm at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. A second viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the service at 10am. Interment will follow at Western Cemetery #1.
