February 10, 1931 – October 5, 2025
Bernice Lorraine Hetrick Berry was born in Caldwell, Idaho on February 10, 1931, to Ira Marvin Hetrick and Laudena “Dena” Faye Shepard Hetrick. She went to be with Jesus on October 5, 2025, at the age of 94. Bernice grew up following her brothers around the farm and could relay story after story about the adventures they shared.
After completing school, Bernice was set up on a date with a young soldier named Melvin Berry. On that first date, he informed her that she was going to marry him. He was persistent and eventually, they did marry. Bernice and Melvin raised three boys: Randy, Mike, and Johnny. While Melvin was fulfilling his duties to his country overseas, Bernice spent the majority of her time serving as both parents to their boys at their home in Leesville, Louisiana. She did so while working at Hixson Funeral Home and Magnolia Life. Once Melvin retired, he and Bernice devoted their lives to working at Castor Baptist Church and enjoying time with their grandchildren. They could be found teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Backyard Bible Clubs across the community. They became regular weekend getaways for “the grandkids”. Bernice could always be counted on for frozen pizzas on Friday nights, pancakes on Saturday mornings, and Sunday roasts for the whole family. When Bernice piloted the Answering Service of Leesville, it allowed her to work from home and still be active in her family life. Bernice and Melvin instilled in their family the importance of prayer and Bible study. Not a day passed without each child and grandchild being prayed for by name, and they each knew it.
Bernice is survived by three sons, Randy and his wife Peggy, Mike and his wife Bonita, and Johnny and his wife Elizabeth; eleven grandchildren, Bryan, Chris, Stacy, Julie, Kelly, Sarah, Melissa, Jessica, Timmy, Suzi, and John Ross; eighteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and one on the way.
The family wishes to thank Ms. Pat Santos for her tireless dedication.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Eugene Berry; parents, Ira and Laudena Hetrick; and both of her brothers, Ralph and Marvin Hetrick.
The Burial was held on Wednesday, October 8th both at the Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers were Timothy Berry, John Ross Berry, Bryan Cook, John Billiot, Shannon Mount, Elbert Harbin IV, Jackson Ellzey, Scooter Pollock, and Jaymie Rutherford. The honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Berry and J.T. Harrington.