Bernice was born August 1, 1919 in Greenwood to the late Vina Smith Murphy and Mont S. Murphy.
She was employed at Woods Manufacturing Company and Klein Tools where she retired in 1985. It was at these locations of employment that she met two loyal lifetime friends, Jeweldean Porta of Fort Smith and Melba Hathaway of Lavaca.
Bernice is survived by her son, Mike of Overland Park, Kansas; her son-in-law, John Swanson of Van Buren; grandson, Steve Swanson and his wife, Nicole of Barling; great-grandson, Tyler Swanson of Fort Smith; sister-in-law, Shirley Murphy of Cookeville, Tennessee; nieces, Sharon Williams of Ogden, Utah, Marcia Childers of Bradyville, Tennessee, Susan Harris of Clarksville, Tennessee, Brooke Peterson of Fayetteville, Wanda McLellan, Neta Stewart, Joy Armbruster and June Jones all of Fort Smith and nephew, Larry Ruth of Alma.
In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, E.C. Stewart; her daughter, Lana and two brothers, J.B. and Jim Murphy.
In addition to the survivors, many people contributed to Bernice’s well-being during her last years: notably, Bernice’s late niece, Betty (Stewart) Thompson; long time family friends, Donna Parker of Van Buren, Dwight and Ellen Tynon of Fort Smith, and Butch Crow of Tulsa.
The family also recognizes and appreciates the staff of Ashton Place for their attentive care and respect shown to Bernice during her residence.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 19 at McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood with interment at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 pm Thursday prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be John, Steve, and Tyler Swanson, Dallas and Alan LaFleur and John Murphy, Jr. Honorary pallbearer will be John Murphy, Sr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 5100 S. 31st St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, or to the Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alz.org.
