Bernice M. Penley

bernice penley
Bernice M. Penley, 76, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017, in a Hickory hospital. Ms. Penley was born in Asheville and was a daughter of the late Fate L. and Pearl Hightower Mathis. She was a retired machine operator with Valdese Mfg. Mill. Among her many activities, she enjoyed her puzzle books, telephone conversations, gossip, and a good joke. She was an avid animal lover (especially her "fur kid" cat, Baby) and a wonderful Mama and Granny. She is survived by a daughter, Becky Harrin (Johnny Ray); sons, Randy Shelton, Ricky Brown (Vivian), Terry Brown and Michael Penley; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; her fiancé and partner for 30 years, Kenneth Blankenship; and brothers Bill Mathis(Monica) and Bobby Mathis (Bernice). She was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Mathis. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with Pastor Joshua McDevitt officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

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  1. I’m so sorry for your loss…she was such a blessing to know and be around very sweet and Loved her Family Dearly. Prayers from my family to yours!

  2. So Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this hard time Randy, Take care…

  3. Lord we thank You for the gift of Grace You have given to Bernice. I pray that by Your Spirit her faith and faithfulness has touched others. Comfort those who mourn their loss through her death. Thanks for the hope of heaven. Take her by the hand and lead her, O God, to her eternal home. In Jesus name. Amen.

  4. Beautiful lady, whom I loved very much. Wish I could come but cannot. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. God bless.

  5. So sorry for your loss. Would love to be at the funeral but we will be out of town. Just know that our thoughts and prayers will be with all the family. Love to all of you!

  6. My deepest condolences & continued prayers to the entire family during this difficult time,

  7. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. Find peace knowing she is home with our Lord..Rest easy Bernice

  8. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family…may you find some comfort knowing that you will ALWAYS have her watching over you.

  9. I am very sorry for your loss. My family and myself are praying for you and everyone affected by this Randy. I’m here if you need anything.

  10. Miles away but our love and heartfelt sympathy are with all of Bernice’s family and friends today! Brother Bill Mathes and family, Monica, Beth, Billy, Sandy and Courtney

  11. I’m sorry for your loss your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, and
    my you find comfort knowing that she is with the Lord.

  12. I’m so sorry for your lose I loved her so much she was like a Mom to me I talk to her about a year ago I’ve been wanting to come visit everyone and was going to go by to see her sending all my love and prayers to all the family


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