Bernice (Harris) Simmons, 97, a longtime resident of Sleightsburgh, Town of Esopus, went to eternal rest Friday, August 11, 2017 at The Baptist Home at Brookmeade, Rhinebeck.
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Written by Bernice:
I was born and raised in Caryville, Florida. My family owned their one plantation and we all farmed it. My family also had their own restaurant that I worked in. My family could grow, can and cook anything.That is why cooking is my first love. One of my fondest memories is when our pastor was coming for dinner. My mother told me to go and cook his meal. I thought I would fall through the floor with nervousness. I made his dinner and the Pastor thanked me for the food. I was so very proud.
I met my husband in Melton, Florida and were married for almost 50 years. We met at a dance hall. He was from Arkansas and couldn't dance very well. Somehow his friends left him at the dance hall and he didn't have a place to go. I brought him home to my parents house and he spent the night. That is how we began. We did not have children of our own, but we did raise one child.
I wasn't military but loved to travel and cook for Army contractors on the base. If I could spare one piece of advice or valuable information it would be "Listen to God, follow his word and be truthful to his word. Keep God first".
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Bernice is predeceased by her husband, Fred Simmons. Together they made their home in Sleightsburgh for many years, until his passing on Aug. 28, 2013.
She is survived by her daughter, LyndaDynese Dunn of Alexandria, VA., a host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces, great-nephews, relatives, and friends.
The family has entrusted the Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park, Town of Esopus, with the care and cremation service arrangements for Bernice.
Cremation held at Wiltwyck Crematory, Kingston.
The memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at The Baptist Home at Brookmeade, 46 Brookmeade Drive, Rhinebeck.
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