Bernice May Stevens-Heyser

Mrs. Bernice Stevens-Heyser, 95 of Huntsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior and “That Great Homecoming” on December 7, 2016. Born Bernice May Ellsworth on May 17, 1921 in Corbin, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Frank and Luella Gilliam Ellsworth. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Rev. James Lee Heyser, two older sisters, two younger brothers, and an infant grandson and infant granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Clark. She is survived by a son, John Douglas Stevens, Sr. and wife Sherry and a daughter, Mary Cathy Jones and husband Jimmy. Bernice has four grandchildren; John Douglas Stevens, Jr, Dawn Stevens Smith, Robert Michael Clark, Robert Tye Clark, and five great grandchildren. At age 16, Bernice graduated from Lynn Camp High School in 1937. In 1939 she was accepted to the Louisville General Hospital School of Nursing and was certified as a Registered Nurse in 1942. Continuing her education Bernice earned a BA in Health Care and Administration from Ottawa University in 1980. In 1957, Bernice accepted a nursing position as staff nurse at the U. S. Public Health Service Hospital in Galveston, Texas. In 1958 she became a supervisor and served in that capacity until she retired in 1981. Prior to 1957, Bernice was the Head Nurse at Laughlin Air Force Base Hospital in Del Rio, Texas. She was the County Health Nurse and School Health Coordinator for Johnson County, Texas. Bernice was a member of American Nurses’ Association and president of District #29 from 1970-72. During her career, Bernice received numerous awards and letters of commendation not only for her skill and compassion as a nurse, but also training student nurses from Galveston’s UTMB and Alvin Junior College. For many years, Bernice was a member of Highlands Baptist Church in LaMarque, Texas. She took great joy in being a member of the choir and teaching the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class. At the time of her death, Bernice was a member of Bethel Baptist Church of New Waverly, Texas. Next to her family, friends, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her greatest love was playing bridge. Bernice will be missed by her niece, Susan Maureen Dickey along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and friends. Other loving family members are Jesse and Jamie Lantron and their children Chloe, Wyatt, Jacob and Henry. Ross and Sheryl Jones and their son Charlie all considered her “Grandma”. Viewing will be held at Bethel Baptist church near New Waverly, Texas beginning at 1 pm on Saturday, December 10, 2016. The Service will be held afterwards at 2 pm. Rev Shane Wiggins and Rev. Chris Gardner of Bethel Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at the East Sandy Cemetery which is located next to the church. Pallbearers are Rick Sumler, Steve Gardner, Keven Lunsford, Scott Collier, Walter Kromwaltz, Richard Amirjo, Edward Owens, Jr., and Russ Peer. Honorary Pallbearers are the Brotherhood of Bethel Baptist Church, Alan Mayberry, Jeff Bartee, Kodie Peer, Donald Cherry, Clayton Cherry, Michael Patrick, David M. Roberts, CPA, Joe G. Brannan, and members of the Street Lords of Huntsville MC. The family requests that Memorials be given to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund (% 1062 Elkins Lake, Huntsville, Texas 77340), the East Sandy Cemetery Association, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family would like to thank our Church Family at Bethel Baptist Church for their love, prayers, and support during this time. Also. Loved and appreciated are the staff of The Lexington Center, the staff of Traditions Hospice, and Dr. Robert Karl Mahaffey and staff at Mahaffey Wellness Center for the care they gave our mother. A special thanks to Annie Cotrau, RN and her staff at Grace Memory Care in Spring, Texas who cared and loved Bernice during her final days on this earth. A very special thanks goes to Larry Graves and Andy Graves for the genuine care and services they provide, but also who we respect as men and true professionals, along with their entire staff at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Our church family and dear friends cared for us and our Mother and will be forever in our hearts.

Bernice May Stevens-Heyser

May 17, 1921 - December 7, 2016