Bernice A. Pettit
November 11, 1937 ~ August 22, 2024
Bernice Pettit, age 86 of Walnut passed away on August 22, 2024 at Allure Nursing Home in Walnut, IL.
Bernice was born on November 11, 1937 in rural Bureau County to Vivan and Anna (Eckberg) Richmond. Bernice graduated from Wyanet High School in 1955 and went on to attend Illinois State University graduating with a Bachelors in Education. Upon graduation she taught Home Economics at Walnut High School and Highland Park High School near Chicago. She later achieved a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Illinois. In 1980, she obtained an LPN certificate from Spoon River College Canton, IL. She ended her working career as a Health Educator for the Fulton County Health Department in Canton, IL. After retirement, Bernice moved to Princeton, IL to be closer to family. While in Princeton she was a faithful volunteer for The Closet and was active at the Bureau County Senior Center. Bernice was a talented quilter and was a member of the Covered Bridge Quilters Guild for many years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Princeton.
She is survived by her sister Wanda (Marlow) Drayton, her niece Ann (Anthony) Bollman, great nephew Matthew Berry all of Walnut, and daughter in law Kim Pettit of Phoenix, AZ. Bernice was preceded in death by her brother Delmer Richmond, her parents and her sons Tom and Dan Pettit.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Forest Hill Cemetery in Wyanet with Pastor David Poust of the Walnut United Methodist Church, officiating.
Memorials can be directed to the Choroideremia Research Foundation Springfield, MA and the Bureau County Senior Center Princeton, IL.
Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com
I started working as a new RN at the Fulton County Health Department in 1993. The day I started Bernice had left me a note on my desk that said “Welcome Crystal “, I still have it. Bernice was always a cheerful soul, a joy to be around. She told me once,”A person is as happy as they decide to be”. It’s been many years since I have seen her, but I think of her often. I always will. She was a special person and all who knew her knew that. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
Wanda I saw Joyce today and so told me Bernice had passed away. Been many years since I saw either one of you. She was a sweet lady. I remember visiting with mom and dad many times. I just lost my daughter Lorre. She was 58. Her son passed away 7 years ago at 34 and Errol has been gone 10 years December. Would love to see you sometime and talk about old times.