Bernice Smith

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Bernice Irene Smith, 75, of Advance passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Feb. 5, 1940, at Marble Hill, Missouri. She was the daughter of Theodore Gaines and Mabel Henderschott and Dick Dinkins.

Bernice worked at J.C. Penney in bookkeeping. She attended Palemore Baptist Church near Grassy, Missouri. She loved taking care of her kids and grandkids.

Bernice and Don Smith were united in marriage Aug. 25, 1956, at Grassy, and he preceded her in death Dec. 31, 2012.

Survivors include a son, Donnie Smith of McClure, Illinois; a daughter, Tonya Bell of Sturdivant, Missouri; three brothers, Donnie Dinkins of Whitewater, Richard Dinkins of Zalma, Missouri, and Kenny Dinkins of Swinton, Missouri; four sisters, Wilma Rugley of Grassy, Brenda Spiler of Wentzville, Missouri, Louise Acup of Marble Hill and Margie Payne; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Visitation will be held today from 9 to 11 a.m. at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance. A memorial service will follow at the chapel, with the Rev. Billy Garner officiating.