Bernice Smith, 87, of Ravenna, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 28, 1931 in Freedom Township to Raymond and Rose (Dvorak) Koran. She married the love of her life, Gerald Smith, on July 11, 1954 whom she had met while working at the Farm Bureau.
She graduated from Charlestown High School in 1949, in the last class to graduate there, in a class of only twelve students. She attended Bohecker’s Business College and Adult Education Classes at Maplewood JVS. Bernice was a member of the Freedom Congregational Church Choir, Hiram Christian Church Choir, Hiram Community Chorus, Community Players, Charter Member of Daughters of America and a founding member of the Singing Grannies. During her time with the Singing Grannies, she performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton gave them a tour afterwards. Bernice had many passions but singing and music were her favorites. While physically beautiful she was absolutely radiant when singing. Bernice’s social calendar was usually full, and one would need to call her to see if she was going to be home to visit. She embraced all kinds of music from the 40’s and 50’s, Elvis, The Beatles, Broadway show tunes, Classical, Gospel, Barbershop and especially patriotic songs. Bernice enjoyed playing the piano and taught herself how to play the accordion.
She was a pilot and a co-owner of a Piper Cub. She bowled in the Garrettsville leagues, was a member of the Historical Society, presiding judge at the voting polls, belonged to several surrounding senior groups including the Ravenna Young at Heart and served many roles in the Hiram Christian Church over the years.
Bernice was a phenomenal baker, candy maker, seamstress, created beautiful embroidery work and was in a quilters group. She enjoyed trips on Paski’s Tours. She was always collecting for a special cause whether it was used stamps, box tops, pop tabs or Coups for Troops for active military families. She loved to shop, would be “all put together” with beautiful scarves and lovely jewelry. She was a vibrant “social butterfly” who was always making new friends and “adopting” more children and grandchildren. She loved being around young people and encouraged them to pursue musical endeavors. She was a very giving person, giving of her time and her material belongings. She was always ready to help someone out. She was a strong lady who stood up for what she believed in and a loyal friend. She was a strong supporter of the Veterans, proudly claimed we were a military family and sang whole-heartedly about America.
Through the years she worked at several places including the Ravenna Arsenal, the Candy Factory and was Quality Control for several local companies. When one customer saw the parts had been checked by “B” they would just send them right on through as they knew if Bernice had checked them they were quality parts. She especially enjoyed working at Sea World, petting the dolphins and seeing all the beautiful flowers.
Every spring Bernice would fill her patio with lovely planters and tend her flower beds. She had pets most of her life and cared for them deeply. She lived a very full life and liked to have fun, always involved, always on the go. Several have referred to her as their favorite relative. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren or attending events they were in.
Bernice is survived by her children, Mitchell (Helen) Smith, Steven (Adela) Smith, Timothy Smith (Ruth), Brian (Charlotte) Smith and Kimberle Chechak; 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren with another one on the way.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald in 2003 and her brother, Raymond.
Visitation was held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10AM – 12:00 PM at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. Funeral service followed at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial was held in Drakesburg Cemetery, Freedom Ohio. Online condolences at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your choice: Hiram Christian Church Choir Fund C/O Dale Lacan, Hiram College Music Department for either C/O Paul Driesbach for the Woodwinds Department or C/O Damaris Peters-Pike for the Hiram Community Chorus.
