Berneice O. Lesley

Feb. 8, 1917 - Oct. 3, 2012

ST. JAMES CITY, Fla. - Berneice O. Lesley, 95, of St. James City, formerly of Edwardsburg, Mich., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at her daughter's residence.

She was born Feb. 8, 1917, in Chalmers, Ind., to John J. and Emma May (McCormick) Kaiser.

On Oct. 31, 1943, she married Wilbur E. Lesley in Lafayette.

Survivors include three sons, David (Patrica) Lesley of Granger, Ind., Robert P. (Dee Ann) Lesley of Wakarusa, Ind., and Curt Lesley of Pinellas Park; daughter Jane K. Bradley of Elkhart, Ind.; sister Norma Carlisle of Chalmers; sister-in-law Lou Lesley of Monticello, Ind.; four grandchildren, Bruce (Angie) Bradley, Lesley Sopraseuth, Doug Odiorne and Derek (Jen) Odiorne; 15 great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Moses, Isaac, Agustine, Magdalene, Giles, Frances and Esther Bradley, Jaiden and Tristan Sopraseuth and Landry, Sophie, Jesse, Emma and Ernie Odiorne; three nieces, Beverly (David) Ludwick, Marie (Steve) Ward and Cheryl (Charles) Van Voorst; and nephew Jerry (Linda) Hurst.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jo Brandt.

Berneice will always be remembered as a wonderful homemaker, mother and loving wife of 62 years.

She was a member of VFW Post 4353 Ladies Auxiliary.

She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. Berneice always had a garden and loved flowers.

Cremation has taken place at Altera Cremation Services and burial of her cremated remains will take place at Chalmers Community Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is in charge of arrangements.


Memories and Condolences

Cathy Bowers-Ford, Maryville, TN

Janey I see you every day because a picture of you and I dressed for church is apart of my screen saver. I loved your family so much and they were so important in my early years. I always hoped to be the wonderful cook and mother that your mom was and I had contacted her years ago to send me her Carmel rolls and her candy recipes that she made every Christmas and she was very gracious to share them with me. Daddy looked forward to her candy every year. We were blessed to know all of you and I will continue to smile and think of the wonderful times that enriched my life everytime our picture passes in front of me on my computer. God Bless you and I still love all of you.

Tammy Hatfield-Stone, Elkhart, IN

I was just speaking to my co workers about Trick or Treat and how Mrs. Lesley made the very best popcorn balls. That is a great childhood memory. I am sorry for your loss.