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In loving memory

A “come and go” visitation will be held
3-5PM Sunday, December 20, 2020
Mullican-Little Funeral Home
754 State Hwy 56 E.
Bells, TX 75414

A Private Funeral Service
Mullican-Little Funeral Home Chapel
Monday, December 21, 2020

Interment
Washburn Cemetery
Bells, Texas

Due to Covid-19 concerns
masks will be required at the
visitation and the funeral service.

Social distancing will be observed.

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19 comments

Bernice Yvonne Phelps

Bernice Yvonne Phelps

November 17, 1940 - December 15, 2020

Bernice Yvonne Phelps was born November 17, 1940 to Robert and Josie Bassinger, who later married Aaron Copeland, Bernice’s beloved step-father. She was made whole in Christ on December 15, 2020 when He called her home to be with Him. Her eldest daughter, Doris Pedigo and great grandson, Ian Pedigo, were waiting there for her. Bernice will be missed by her husband, Nathan “Nate” Phelps, daughters, Toni Paveloff and Sherry Ballard, sons-in-law Mark Paveloff and Steve Pedigo, brother Jerry Don Bassinger and wife Sandra, grandchildren Ben and Holly Pedigo, Bill and Stephanie Pedigo, Brianna and Omar Vazquez, Blayne Ballard, Derek Paveloff and Morgan Paveloff, and great grandchildren Jack, Olivia, Braylon, Gavyn, and Mayson along with many church and local friends.

Bernice never missed a beat. To some, she was known as the Energizer Bunny, to others, she was known as Mother, and some called her Meme or Nana. No matter the name, she was the matriarch of her family and a trusted leader in her church home. She was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church, Bells for many years serving in the children, youth, and music ministries, influencing countless people for Christ. She also served at the Bells Community Center and Noah’s Ark Preschool for many years. She married her husband, Nate on November 22, 1958 and was proud of the life that she built with him after they moved with their daughters to a field of Johnson grass in Bells nearly 50 years ago. She loved her family and cared about her friends. When you came to her house, you never knew if you were going to get a cake that even the dogs wouldn’t eat, or maybe even “the look” if you were in trouble, but no matter what, she offered her love. She regularly won first place in the headless photo contest as well. Her love was returned by many and she will be deeply missed.

A “come and go” visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 3-5 PM at Mullican Little Funeral Home at 754 State Hwy 56 E. Bells, Texas 75414. A Private Funeral service will be held at Mullican Little Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, December 21, 2020 with Pastor Kenneth Van Horn officiating. Burial will be at Washburn Cemetery, Bells. Due to Covid-19 concerns, masks will be required at the visitation and the funeral service. Social distancing will be observed.

19 Guestbook

  1. Carolyn Dexheimer
    Carolyn Dexheimer on December 18, 2020 at 5:31 PM

    She was so special to all of us. I am so proud to have had the blessing of knowing her and calling her my friend.
    To the family I extend my sincere sympathy…. you were her treasure and she said so many times.
    Prayers

    Reply
  2. David & Tammy Snow
    David & Tammy Snow on December 18, 2020 at 8:22 PM

    So sorry for your loss prayers for y’all and God Bless. Heaven gained an amazing angel!

    Reply
  3. Alice & Bert Brown
    Alice & Bert Brown on December 18, 2020 at 8:33 PM

    Dear Family – We were so shocked and saddened to hear about Bernie’s sudden passing. We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Love from Bert and Alice Brown

    Reply
  4. Robert Renner
    Robert Renner on December 18, 2020 at 8:36 PM

    One of the most kindest people I recall from my younger years. Bernie was very well liked by all the students when I went to High School. My thoughts and Prayers are with all the family members. May God lay his healing hand on each one of you.

    Reply
  5. Joyce Brown
    Joyce Brown on December 18, 2020 at 10:29 PM

    I loved Bernice dearly and am so thankful to have known such a fine Christian lady. She will be greatly missed by many. My prayers are sent for her loving family.

    Reply
  6. Melissa Osborn
    Melissa Osborn on December 19, 2020 at 11:48 AM

    Miss B will be greatly missed by all she came in contact with. Prayers for the family of this dear sweet lady.

    Reply
  7. Pam Hubbard
    Pam Hubbard on December 19, 2020 at 5:41 PM

    Prayers for all the family. I’m so thankful for the influence she had on my life years ago at Antioch. She was such a loving and caring person. I’m so thankful to have known her. She will be missed.

    Reply
  8. Drena Morrow Engler
    Drena Morrow Engler on December 19, 2020 at 6:11 PM

    She was very special too me I loved her a friend in Christ we worked in church and she played at my wedding I’ll miss her but will see her someday

    Reply
  9. Linda Crews
    Linda Crews on December 19, 2020 at 11:58 PM

    Miss “B” was a treasured neighbor and friend for 4 generations of our family. She will be greatly missed by all of us, and send our love to her family. She made each of us a better person by being herself !!

    Reply
  10. Linda Tarzis
    Linda Tarzis on December 20, 2020 at 1:13 PM

    This lady was so loved by so many of us. I already miss her so much just knowing I can’t call or text her. She was one special lady! She did so love her family and I know how much you all are hurting right now. We all know where she is now and is much better off than we are, I extend my sympathy to each and every one of you.

    Reply
  11. Janet Waldrip
    Janet Waldrip on December 20, 2020 at 1:31 PM

    Dearest Family,
    There are no words to express my deepest sympathy for all of you.
    We all loved her and miss her so much. She is with her Lord & Saviour playing those beautiful songs she loved so much & played with such loyal service for her Master. Bernice was a Good and Faithful servant. She was truly an example for us all to follow
    She loved her family so much.

    Reply
  12. Jerry Jr and Tammy Kay
    Jerry Jr and Tammy Kay on December 20, 2020 at 2:54 PM

    Bernice touched so many hearts in our community and will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
    Sincerely,
    The Branch Family

    Reply
  13. Patricia Neal
    Patricia Neal on December 20, 2020 at 3:59 PM

    A true example of a lady that showed God’s love to all. I will miss her each time I enter Antioch. My God give you peace and understanding.

    Reply
  14. Roy & Linda Fuller
    Roy & Linda Fuller on December 20, 2020 at 10:23 PM

    So sorry for your loss of such a special person as Bernice. She always had a smile and a kind word. We know she a blessing to the Family and her Church. She will be missed by all the knew and loved her. Prayers to the Family and cherish your the Memories.

    Reply
  15. Gary & Brenda Pedigo
    Gary & Brenda Pedigo on December 20, 2020 at 10:48 PM

    Bernice was a special person, she treated us like family. Our deepest condolences to the family.

    Reply
  16. Lorrie Compton
    Lorrie Compton on December 21, 2020 at 9:22 AM

    Bernice was truly a wonderful woman inside & out. The Lord gained a true Angel. Its hard to loose a loved one, especially at holiday time.
    So today as you say your final goodbyes know that you are
    In my thoughts & prayers. Time will heal the pain you feel now & leave you with all you wonderful memories. May God give you the strength you need to carry you through the coming days .

    Reply
  17. Raylene gray
    Raylene gray on December 21, 2020 at 3:53 PM

    So sorry to hear about Bernice’s passing. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all that knew her.

    Reply
  18. Mary Groner
    Mary Groner on December 25, 2020 at 10:16 PM

    I am just learning of Bernice’s death…..I loved Bernice even though
    I did not know her well, but you did not have to know her long
    until you knew what a wonderful Christian she was and how
    loving and caring. She was such a dear sweet friend to my
    Aunt Elizabeth Reynolds. I always appreciated her for being
    such a good friend to her. As others have said, we know where
    she is…with Aunt Lizzie and many others that she loved

    Reply
  19. Brenda Mangrum-Clifton
    Brenda Mangrum-Clifton on October 26, 2021 at 7:56 PM

    Since I don’t live in Bells and haven’t for a long long time, I don’t know when people I knew passed away. Bernice was indeed a special lady and was dearly loved. So sorry for your loss, she was indeed a God loving woman and will be missed.

    Reply

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