Berniece L. (Wells) Bailey

Chico ~ Berniece Wells Bailey, 95, formerly of Grapevine, a retired bank vice president and bank owner, went to be with her Savior Tuesday, August 4, 2015 in Decatur.

Funeral is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Morris Memorial Methodist Church in Chico with burial 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Grapevine Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Rev. Paul Widicus and Rev. Mike Miller will officiate. Pallbearers include Larry Madar, Terry Hand, Doug Bowyers, Embry Hines, Toby Sides, Mark Knox, and Dusty Sides. Honorary pallbearers include Laura Coble, Janice Smith, Janet Terrell, Rhonda Richey, Mercy Stanfield, Cristy Self, Les Bankhead, Rebecca Blanton, Paul Reasoner, Kelli Dethloff, Shelly Prost, and Denise Ellington.

Berniece was born on February 6, 1920 to Jesse and Llora (Lindsay) Daniel in Coppell, Texas. She was united in marriage to James Marvin Wells on December 23, 1939 and Elbert (Boose) Bailey in December 16, 1961. Berniece accepted Christ at an early age and served him all of her life. She was a Sunday school teacher and served as choir director for 22 years. She held several offices in the Methodist church and served as youth director in the 60’s. Berniece was a member of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron. She was a lifetime member of Women’s Society of Christian Service. Berniece was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 and Outstanding Community Service of the Chico Children’s Clothing Fund 1970-2000. She served as the Chico Chamber of Commerce Director 1979-1980. Berniece received the Lifetime Service Award for the Chico Chamber of Commerce in 1998. She was a founding member of the Senior Citizens Center of Chico. Berniece worked as Vice President for First State Bank of Chico and served on the board of directors for 26 years until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, James Wells; her second husband, Elbert Bailey; her son, Harold Marvin Wells; her sister, Thelma Conine; her brothers, Grady, Marshall, Roy, and J.B.; and her granddaughter, Teresa Williams.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Danny Wells and wife Mononette; her daughter, Cyd Bailey; her daughter-in-law, Dorothy Wells; her grandsons, James Wells and wife Amanda, Frank Oravetz; her granddaughters, Llora Jones and husband Ben, Marla Erickson and husband Danny; special friend and caregiver, Carandy Guinn;  her great grandsons, Kristopher, Eric, Justin, and Donny;  her great granddaughters, Heather, Makenzi, Hannah, Zoe and Lindsey; 5 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Morris Memorial Methodist Church in Chico 940-644-5186 or the Chico Senior Citizens Center 940-644-5453.

Hawkins Funeral Home, Bridgeport, Texas, 940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com