Bernice Elizabeth Houchens
Apr 06, 1923 – Jun 27, 2013
Bernice Willoughby Houchens
Bernice passed away on June 27 2013 in her home on Patrick Henry Place where she was born 90 years ago. She was predeceased by her parents John Earnest Wiiloughby and Mintie Davis Saunders Willoughby and Otis (Dick) Houchens her husband of 49 years. She leaves behind a devoted son Raymond and numerous cousins and friends.
Bernice is fondly remembered by many of the students she encountered in her 16 years as a custodian at Louisa High School. Her own education began in the small school house at Quail and she was among the first class to graduate from Louisa High School.
Bernice had two special interests in her life aside from family and friends. The first of these was her flowers. Every spring her home and yard were festive with blooms of many varieties and her picture has even appeared in the Central Virginian with some of her bounty.
Her second great interest has been the study of the history of her faimly and her part of her Louisa County. She has authored a book Short Stories and Other Writings which documents both historical facts and folksy anecdotes. It is through her efforts the Quail sign was erected next to the site of the former village. Now Quail is even mentioned on the Louisa weather reports.
Bernice has attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church all her life. There will be a graveside service at 2pm Tuesday July 2nd at the family cemetery on the Houchens farm with Josh Turner officiating.
Bernice asked that this poem be added to her obituary.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a funeral spray
If so we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words
As any friend could say;
Perhaps you were not there at all
Just thought of us that day
Whatever you did to console our hearts
We thank you so much whatever the part.
And a special thanks to the Hospice workers from Legacy who did so much to make a difficult time easier on everyone.
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Raymond, I am so sorry for your great lost and I have you in my prayers. Your mother was such a nice lady. I thought a lot of her. Most sincerely, Charlie Grubbs
Raymond, no words can help to ease the loss you bear, just know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
raymond words can not express the way someone feels when a loved one passes away you are in my thoughts and prayers i will be there if you need me
Our synpathy, Raymond. A great loss. Bernice was the first person to befriend us here in Quail. We will never forget her.
Raymond, so sorry about your loss. I know how it feels to lose your mom. Will keep you in my prayers.
Raymond, I didn`t know that your Mom had passed away until I saw it in the paper. I`m sorry I wasn`t there in your time of need. God Bless.
Raymond, We are thinking of you. Bert had a sweet soul & she was a special lady. We know that you miss her greatly.