Bernice Eason

Bernice Eason, of Memphis, TN, formerly of Vanduser and Sikeston, transitioned into her new life on Thursday, July 3rd at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis. She was born to William and Corda Griffin August 18, 1924 in Parma, MO.

Bernice was married to the late Willis Riley Owens on October 30, 1943. Following his death in 1965, she married Edward Elmo Eason of Sikeston on April 8, 1978, who preceded her in death on November 26, 1980.

Mrs. Eason attended Vanduser High School where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. She was employed for many years at Black’s Store in Vanduser and also was a secretary at Vanduser Elementary School and Lee Hunter Elementary in Sikeston. For several years she also worked at Seams Unique in Cape Girardeau.

Bernice enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, painting, crafts and reading. Her volunteer work included leading a Girl Scout troop, teaching Bible school, and Foster Grandparenting at Sikeston Public Schools. She was a member of the Shady Acres Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by 5 brothers, Leasle, Norman, Murphy, L. E. (“Dude”) and Bond Lee Griffin, and 2 sisters, Earah Harshbarger and Evelyn Seabaugh, and one step-daughter, Regina (Eason) Zumwalt and many other family members and friends.

She is survived by 2 sons, Danny (Darlene) and Tim (Belinda) Owens, and one step-son, Benny Eason, (Patsy) all of Sikeston. She also leaves 2 daughters, Nancy O. Black (Allen) of Memphis, TN and Penny O. Sitzes (David) of Poplar Bluff, MO. She was also blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she loved greatly.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 6th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, with funeral services immediately following. Her son-in-law, Allen Black, will officiate. Burial will be at Memorial Park in Sikeston.

Although we will miss her here, we are confident she has been greeted by family members and dear friends whom she has missed and longed to see.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Hope Works, 1930 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 (www.whyhopeworks.org, a non-profit organization for helping the needy) or Shady Acres Church of Christ, 1440 Ables Rd., Sikeston, MO 63801.

Online condolences may be shared at: www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.