Bernice Saenz

Bernice Fuentes Saenz, 93, of Corpus Christi, Texas, joyfully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 7, 2026. Born on March 16, 1932, in Alice, Texas, to Augustine and Neta (Whitman) Fuentes, Bernice lived a life marked by her steadfast faith and joyful service to God.

Raised in Freer, Texas, Bernice graduated from Freer High School in 1951. After her family moved to Corpus Christi in 1952, she began working at Culli’s Custom Prints. Through church fellowship at her home church, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Bernice met the love of her life, Emilio Homero Saenz. Bernice and Emilio were married on December 30, 1961, and their 59 years of marriage were a beautiful testimony of faith and partnership.

For 25 years, Bernice served as bookkeeper for the family business, Brownlee Bargain Center. Bernice and Emilio built not only a successful family business, but a home rooted in love, prayer, and trust in God through blessings and hardships.

Bernice and Emilio chose to raise their family at Kelsey Memorial Methodist Church, Emilio’s home church. She faithfully attended and served Kelsey for 58 years, teaching both youth and adult Sunday school classes. Bernice’s life reflected her steadfast faith in every season. She joyfully shared the Gospel through Bible study classes in her home, words of encouragement, and simple acts that reflected God’s love. Following the passing of her husband, Bernice became a member of Lindale Baptist Church.

Known for her quiet strength, and unshakable trust in the Lord, Bernice faced life’s challenges humbly with prayer and a joyful assurance that God was always in control.

Bernice’s infectious smile and joyful laugh were matched by a wonderful sense of humor that brought happiness to those around her. Bernice found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved listening to music, watching classic movies and television shows, enjoying a slice of lemon meringue pie, and spending Sunday afternoons at merienda with family. Growing up with a humble upbringing, she often shared stories of her simple childhood in Freer, Texas and the good times that shaped her grateful heart. She began each morning with daily devotionals and ended every day at 9:00 p.m. in prayer. She cherished time with her daughters and grandchildren, treasured the companionship of her church friends, and especially enjoyed their tradition of going to Whataburger together after Wednesday night service. Bernice was lovingly and faithfully cared for by her daughters until her passing, and she deeply cherished the close and meaningful relationships she shared with each of them.

Bernice’s legacy lives on through her daughters, Pam S. Martinez (Sam) and Lizette S. Fregoso (Frank); her grandchildren, Hannah M. Hoch (Louis), Joshua Martinez (Ashley), and Frankie Fregoso; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Carmela Hoch, Sydney Hoch, Louie Hoch, Maverick Martinez, Kourtney Mendoza, and Michael Martinez. She is also survived by her sisters, Mildred Gonzales and Anita F. Cortez (Joe).

Bernice was joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Emilio H. Saenz; her precious boy, Michael James Saenz; her parents, Augustine and Neta (Whitman) Fuentes; her brothers, William W. Fuentes, Manuel W. Fuentes, and Samuel W. Fuentes; and her sister, Roberta F. Castro.

A funeral service celebrating Bernice’s life and faith will be held on February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas. Visiting hour starts at 10:00 am.

Burial will take place on February 14, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery.