Bernice Brown

Bernice "Bonnie" Brown (9/21/1919) aged 98, peacefully passed away, Wednesday June 13, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lilly and Henry Merrifield. Husband, Matthew Brown Sr; brothers, Henry and Arthur Merrifield; sisters, Beatrice Merrifield, Mildred Carson and Frieda Kilmer. Bernice is survived by her son, Matthew Jr (Lavina) Brown; grandchildren, Janet Howard, Patricia (Denny) Wehler, Matthew III (Shannon) Brown; 8 great grandchildren, Shane (Ally) Howard, who we are eagerly anticipating our newest family member mid-September 2018. Lindsay Howard; Dennis, Anna and Evan Wehler; Loren, Matthew IV and Aidan Brown. As well as many special nieces, nephews and several close friends. As a child, Bernice enjoyed fishing at Wood Lake and in Florida with her parents and siblings. She played Guard for her school's Basketball team. When she had earaches, she remembered her papa would blow cigar smoke in her ear to soothe her. Growing up she wanted to get married, have 4 kids, work and own a home. She met Matt in 1937 with her friend Marie. She thought Matt was quite handsome and fun to be with. Their first date was with Chris, Matt's twin brother, and Marie her friend who later married Chris. They went to Whimpies for Burgers and Root Beer and Bernice paid for the date with her babysitting money. Bernice and Matt married in 1938. They had one son, Matthew Brown Jr. In 1954 Bernice drew the plans, hired contractors and overseen construction of their house. Bernice fulfilled her dream of having her own home and staying in it until the end. Some of her favorite things were Bingo, going out to eat with family, Pat Flier, Joyce (Bill) and Gail. And she enjoyed her visits with Christine Merrifield. She also had a wonderful talent for writing poetry. Mass of Christian burial will be held 3:00PM Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave. Bernice's family will greet relatives and friends Wednesday from 5 PM - 8PM at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Wyoming, 3131 S. Division Ave., and one hour prior to Mass at Church on Thursday. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Right to Life. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernice "Bonnie" Brown please visit our Sympathy Store.