Bernice Loraine Yarberry's Obituary
Bernice Loraine (Wolfe) Yarberry (94) passed away September 05, 2023 in Houston TX. Born July 03, 1929 in Murdock, Kansas, to Charlie and Alta Wolfe. The oldest of seven children, Bernice grew up strong, spirited, and spiritual. She loved to sing in the church choir and learned to cook delicious farm-style meals at her mother’s side. On Christmas Eve 1948 she married her handsome Marine, Garland Yarberry. The two shared over 60 active, fun-loving years together until Garland’s passing in 2009. They were blessed with 3 children, 2 boys and a girl.
The family lived in Kansas, Colorado, Washington, and Texas. Bernice was a devoted wife and mother. She loved being a homemaker. Her ability to cook a wholesome and delectable meal was renowned; her cakes and pies were legendary. Her kids and grandchildren still sing praises to her home-cooked meals, (favorites included fried chicken, meatloaf with mashed potatoes, milkshakes, and pancakes). Bernice was also a highly skilled seamstress. For many years most of her own clothing and some of the rest of the family’s clothing were designed and sewn by Bernice. She went back to college when in her 50’s and received an Associate of Arts degree from Green River Community College in Auburn WA.
After the kids had grown, Bernice and Garland started an upholstery business together. Since retirement, Bernice and her husband have lived in Austin and Friendswood, Texas. They devoted their time and energies to several charities including: Lake Travis Crisis Ministries, Meals On Wheels and Hospice. They also participated in several activities with the churches they belonged to. Among Bernice’s greatest joy in life was watching their grandchildren grow into fine young adults. Whenever possible they attended school events in which the kids were involved. They loved to travel and visited Canada, Mexico, Israel and over half of the U.S. states. One of their last vacations together was spending a week camping with family in Washington State. One word frequently used to describe Bernice was ’kind.’
She is preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and her husband, Garland. Sadly, both sons (Stanley Garland Yarberry and Danny Meredith Yarberry) also predeceased her. She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Yarberry Williams and her husband David; her baby sister, Linda Madzey and her husband Bill; her daughter-in-law (Dan’s wife) Janel Yarberry; eight grandchildren: Jason and Briahna; Anthony and Adam; Cassie, Gabrielle, Tiffany and Crystal; many great-grandchildren; and other extended family members.
NOTE: Dan Yarberry passed away 08/30/23. His obituary can be viewed on the website for Jeter Memorial Funeral Home in Friendswood, TX.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernice?
Share a story where Bernice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernice you’ll never forget.
How did Bernice make you smile?