Bernice Deaver

Bernice Freeman Deaver, 85, of Odessa, Texas passed away November 10, 2017; she was born in Lee County, Texas. Later she moved with her family Paulethia and Pink "Brother" Newson to Odessa.

She attended Blackshear High School and was in the first graduating class. She enrolled Tillotson College, now Houston-Tillotson University, Austin, graduating with a bachelors of Science degree.
She later received an MA degree from Texas Southern University in Houston. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated where she served as president, vice president, corresponding secretary
and financial secretary. She was a Lions Club International Lioness. She worked in the Ector County independent school district for 30 years teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th at Carver and Milam Elementary schools.

At an early age she gave her life to Christ becoming a member of Parks Memorial Church of God in Christ. She was baptized by the late Elder Parks, pastor. She later moved her membership to Prayer House COGIC.
She was active in all of the church activities. Bernice was particularly active as a Sunday school teacher.

She was raised in a home where her mother nurtured underserved children with love and providing for their needs. As an adult Bernice along with her husband continued that practice by opening their heart and
resources to children and many others.

Bernice married William H. Deaver on July 21, 1962. He preceded her in dead. Others preceding her in death were sister-Vicky Newson-Hubbard, god-daughter Barbara Prince, and her parents Paulethia Georgia and Pink Newson.

She had no children of her own. She is survived by (nieces) Dr. Tara Deaver, Debra Deaver Byrd (Lennerd), both of Odessa; Gwendolyn Vickers (Jesse), Beverly Sherman, Monica Glenn, Carolyn Glenn all of Los Angeles,
Lynette Cook of Austin; (nephews) Ernest Clark (Sheila) of Austin, Lonnie Lucas Jr. (Mischon) of San Diego, Arnett Lucas of Long Beach Ca; (Cousins) Mae Helen Alexander, Kenneth Goode, George Jackson, Annett Flannell (Douglas),
Edna Mae, James Cooper, James Penny (Wanda); (sister-in-law) Emma Glenn, (aunt) Helen Kerr Foshua; (god-daughter) Brandy Willis (Raymond), and a host of other nieces, nephews, god-children and friends.

Pallbearers include Donald Alford, Hubert Collins, James Taylor, Walter H. Alexander, Ernest Clark and Lennerd Byrd. Honorary pallbearers are John Mayfield, Tommy Morris, Alvin Alford and George Jackson.

The family of Bernice Deaver wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Debbie Smith, Crossland Care, Home Hospice, Accolade Home Health Care and supportive friends.

Visitation and wake will be held 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Monday, November 13. Funeral service is scheduled at Greater Walker Chapel Living Vision Missionary COCIC at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 14.
Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. To sign the guestbook go to www.sunsetodessa.com

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, November 13, 2017
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Service

Greater Walker Chapel Living Vision Missionary
711 S. County Rd. 2404
Odessa, TX  79763
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Rose Hill Ector County Cemetery
300 S. Dixie
Odessa, TX  79761