"Sorry for your loss and we will all miss Bernice. She was a wonderful caring person."
In loving memory of
Bernice Smith
September 4, 2014
Bernice Smith , age 82, of 2130 Harrison St., Quincy, died Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 2:50 am in Blessing Hospital.
Bernice was born January 11, 1932 on the family farm three miles east of Gilliam, Missouri, the daughter of William S. and Polly Helen Cleek Colson. She married Maurice Abbott Walker on April 15, 1950. He preceded her in death. Bernice later married Ralph L. Smith on December 23, 1960 in Slater, Missouri. He preceded her in death on December 5, 1978.
She worked for 7 years at Smith Drug Store and later at Maker Pharmacy. After moving to Quincy, she worked at Art Craft and Co. Then 13 years for Motorola until it closed and she went back to college. Bernice was a 1978 graduate with a certificate in mechanical and steel engineering. She then worked for Continental cable until they moved to St. Louis. Bernice was a realtor for 30 years in Illinois and 25 years in Missouri working for Zanger and Assoc.
Bernice loved music, especially Southern Gospel. She's a member of Bible Baptist Church. Bernice loved to quilt, and was a member with the St. Anthony's Quilters. She was the 2001 Illinois State President of the Illinois World Organization of China Painters. Bernice was on the Planning Commission, and on the Board of Directors for Adams County Home Health Aids both for 10 years.
Bernice is survived by a daughter, Shirley Bossak of Henderson, NV; two grandchildren, Aaron Bossak of Henderson, NV and Emily Bossak of Los Angeles, CA; four sisters, Evelyn Johnson of Gilliam, MO, Edna Durham of Blackwater, MO, Mildred (Joe) Harris of Slater, MO, and Linda (Ronald) Hannon of Chester, VA; and a brother, William (Edna) Colson of Slater, MO; and two step-children, Ralph Smith, Jr. and Mike (Jan) Smith.
In addition to her husbands, Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Thelma Wolfe.
Services: 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Wentzel officiating.
Graveside Service: 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Marshall, Missouri
Burial: Sunset Gardens Cemetery, Marshall, Missouri
Visitation: 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Memorials: Blessing Breast Center or Bible Baptist Church
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I worked with Bernice at Motorola. She was a hard worker, and had a great personality. All the women were jealous of her tiny waistline. I lost contact with her but thought of her often."
"Bernice joined my Real Estate Office August 18, 1980. She had worked up until then for Continental Cable. She was a real go-getter. She became a very successful Real Estate agent in a very short time and won numerous awards and trophy's. Bernice was extremely loyal to the Company. I had three brothers and no sisters, so Bernice was like a sister to me. She wasn't afraid to tackle any problem. If a well needed to be tested she would physically go out, remove the cap from the top of the well casing, pour in the proper amount of Clorox, let the water run the required time and then fill the test bottle. When a new agent joined our office she would help them in any way she could to make them succeed. She was a hard working fun loving woman. She once related a dream she had, that she had a bed installed in the office because she put in so many hours working with her buyers and sellers. God Bless You Bernice. Thanks for all the good times and funny stories we shared. Love Leo"
"Bernice was a great woman and I will miss her dearly. I've been the Office Manager at Zanger and Associates for 32 years so I've known Bernice for the 30 years she was a Realtor with our office owned by my Father, Leo Zanger. She was one of the best Realtors in town and very well respected by her fellow Realtors. She was a go getter and very strong. She fought her cancer for many, many years even in the end. Thanks Bernice for all the memories and good times. Rest In Peace!! Love Donna"