"I miss Bernice so much at the facility. She was the first person I looked for each day. Some days she was so happy and chatty, and other days sad & teary-----------but I always loved her. I've been the Director at Griffin for about 1 1/2 years, and Bernice has always been my favorite. She reminded me so much of my mother who passed in 2003. I could tell she had been a strong, loving woman before Alzheimers. She could make my day brighter just by being her. Please know my prayers are with you at this time------She may not have been the mom you so dearly remember, but the light of her love was always shining. God bless you during this time. Muffy"
In loving memory of
Bernice Sophie Hawxby
August 11, 1921 - February 15, 2013
Bernice Hawxby, 91, of Knoxville passed away February 15, 2013 at the Griffin Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville. Services will be Tuesday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas, with Pastor Kent Peck conducting the service. Interment will be at the Dallas Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to HCI Care Services of Knoxville or the Alzheimer's Association.
Bernice Sophie De Goey was born August 11, 1921 in Lake Prairie Township, Marion County, Iowa near Pella to Arie and Marie (Van Gorp) De Goey. She grew up in the Pella area. She was married to Reuben "Pook" Hawxby on December 31, 1945. They made their home in Melcher-Dallas where she lived until Pook's death in 1969 when she moved to Knoxville.
Bernice worked at the Overall Factory inn Knoxville, Dallas Elementary School, and the VA Hospital in Knoxville. Bernice loved to listen to hymns and taught Children's Sunday School at the Dallas Methodist Church. She also enjoyed ceramics, crocheting, and reading. Most of all she enjoyed supporting her son in all of his activities.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben; her parents. Arie and Marie De Goey, and brothers: Robert, Kenneth, and Calvin.
Bernice is survived by her son, Donald (Patti) Hawxby of Melcher-Dallas; granddaughter, Heather (Matt) Svec of Cedar Rapids; and a great grandson, Caleb. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Tributes
"Donnie and Patti, I'm so sorry to hear about Bernice. She had such a great laugh and was such a supportive mother. I know you both were very supportive of her these last years."
"Donnie & Pat, so sorry to hear about Bernice she was a great lady.Mom & Bernice had a lot of fun when they lived next door to each other."
"Bernice was one of my dearest friends, a really kind person. I enjoyed working with her at Dallas and enjoyed her friendship for many years after. "