Mary Bernice Gerken, 79, of Orange passed away on Saturday, September 05, 2015 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.
Bernice was born on December 26, 1935 in Milam, Texas to parents Lela (Reeves) and Bruce Bourghs. She had lived in the Orange area since 1959. Bernice was a member of Little Cypress Baptist Church, but followed her preacher grandson at his two churches of Hartburg Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of West Orange. She enjoyed nature; taking care of animals, bird watching and working in her flower garden. She also took great joy in decorating her home. Bernice was a wonderful grandmother who supported her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bernice was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be missed dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bruce and Lela Bourghs; sister, Allie Bruce Gates; brother, Glendon Bourghs.
Bernice is survived by her husband of 36 years, Jim Gerken of Orange, sons, Mike Procella and wife, Tommilyn of Orange, Glenn Procella and wife, Millee of Orange, Barry Procella and wife, Terri of Orange; step son, Jim Gerken and wife, Dianna of Virginia; step daughter, Susan McCormick of Virginia. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Procella, April Thompson and husband, Wes, Erica Arnold and husband, Wes, Landon Procella, Jenna Procella, Jared Wagnon, Michael Gerken, Maylin Gerken, Sophie Gerken; great grandchildren, Carson Sauceda, Carlee Arnold, Sky Thompson, Mason Wagnon and Jack Wagnon.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 09, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Dorman Funeral Home, with a gathering of family and friends from 1:30 PM until service time. Her grandson, Bro. Michael Procella, and Bro. David Turner will be officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden near Bridge City.
Honoring Bernice as pallbearers will be Mike Procella, Glenn Procella, Barry Procella, Michael Procella, Landon Procella, and Jim Gerken.
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