BERNICE MARIE PIPPIN

Bernice Marie Pippin, Noble, MO daughter of James Kelly and Nancey Geneverie (Harley) Thomas was born August 5, 1926 in Wilhoit, MO and passed away February 14, 2009 in Springfield, MO at the age of 82 years.

On December 24, 1943 she married Hershel Pippin at Hammond, MO. To this union two children were born, Joyce and Donald, but she was mother to many including several cousins that spent time there, and a total of 15 plus foster children over the years. After the passing of her husband Hershel, she continued to live on the farm taking care of herself, hunting and fishing with minimal help until just recently. She slept with a shotgun by her bed, and shot raccoons that raided the bird feeders at night and armadillos that rooted up the garden. She raised a garden every year, and sat in an old lawn chair while she hoed the beans. She killed a deer almost every year including this past year. She and Hershel taught Don and Joyce how to hunt and fish, and spent many evenings going to the creek. Bernice would pack spam sandwiches and pork and beans for supper on the creek, and then fish for catfish until near morning. They both enjoyed taking their grandsons fishing and hunting. She was a member of Barron Fork Church of Christ for many years, the same church that her dad, Kelly Thomas, helped to build. She continued to attend there and was a member until her passing. She was very independent and stubborn….called by many, including the doctors that cared for her "a tough old bird" and a true inspiration to anyone who knew her. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Heaven is a better place today for having her there. Those of us left behind are sad and missing her while at the same time Happy for her, knowing that she is home.

She is survived by one daughter Joyce McGill and husband Ron of Fordland, MO; one son Donald Pippen and wife Julie of Gainesville, MO; five grandchildren Kelly Pippen, Timothy Pippin, Billy Pippin, Jeremy Kolaks, and Josh Kolaks; ten great grandchildren; two brothers Alvis Thomas of Souder, MO, Alvin Thomas of Wasola, MO; two sisters Elsie James of Ozark, MO, and Gay Burke of Raymore, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Hershel; and six brothers and sisters Archie Thomas, Elve Hill, Stella Frazier, Bonnie Thomas, Lena High, and Alton Thomas.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO with Halbert Smith officiating. Interment will be in the Franklin Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening February 16, 2009 from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.