Bernice M. Mitchell

On 25 July, 2024, Bernice Marie Tate Mitchell gained her wings and was called home to Heaven. She passed away peacefully at home being cared for by her children.  The world became brighter, more loving and kind on 26 November, 1929, when God sent Bernice Marie Tate to live on this Earth. She was a loving daughter of Riley Everett Tate and Dessie Josephine Hackett of Westridge in Douglas County.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Nana, daughter, and aunt.

Bernice joined a family of 2 sisters, Opal Tate Thompson and Virginia Tate Wagoner, and later a brother, Ray Tate. She attended a rural grade school and later graduated from Villa Grove High School.  

Bernice married the love of her life, William “Red” Mitchell on 16 April, 1948 at the Villa Grove Methodist Church. Red preceded her in death in May 2010. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Their union produced 2 surviving children, Donna Mitchell Meier of Gibson City and Curtis [Cindy] Mitchell of Villa Grove.  Surviving Bernice are 2 grandchildren, Zachary Meier, Flagstaff, AZ and Casey Mitchell, Las Vegas, NV. and favorite dog, Zoe Mitchell. She leaves behind a sister-in-law, Nancy Tate and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Bernice in death were her husband, “Red”, son-in-law, Duane “Dewey” Meier, her parents, a step-father Cleo Fay.

Bernice was a lifelong resident of Villa Grove and known for her welcoming, pleasant smile and friendly nature. She was an active participant in her community’s activities and recognized by the city for her service, time and energy.  She was a Camargo Township Trustee, served as an election judge and belonged to the Douglas County Republicans. She was a member of the Villa Grove United Methodist Church and for seventy-five years. She served as the Church’s Financial Secretary for more than fifty years. She helped out at Thompson’s Grocery Store. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Villa Grove and Tolono, for more than 25 years. She taught Sunday School, Bible School.

Red and Bernice had an impressive garden and enjoyed sharing the produce with others. She spent countless hours in her flower gardens caring for her perennials and roses and keeping the yard tidy. The “Peace” rose was her favorite. Bernice received the first “Beautify Villa Grove” Award.

Bernice was an excellent cook and baker for family and friends. She always had a book or two next to her chair and was a frequent library patron. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and Green Bay Packers fan. She enjoyed watching and feeding the many birds and squirrels that visited her feeders. Of course, Cardinals were her favorite.

Bernice will be remembered as a woman who loved her family and cared for everyone she knew. She will forever be in our hearts. 

“A life beautifully lived, deserves to be beautifully remembered.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camargo Township Library or Villa Grove United Methodist Church. 

A celebration of life will be 31 July, 2024, Wednesday 11:00 AM  at Villa Grove United Methodist Church with Pastor Ted Shearer officiating. Joines Funeral Home is caring for Bernice and handling arrangements. Family will greet friends one hour before service at the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice M. Mitchell, please visit our floral store.