Bernice Lanell Brown

Bernice Lanell Brown, age 86, passed away on May 13, 2025 in Midland, Texas. She was born on September 23, 1938 in Navasota, Texas to Mr. Colbert James Wardell and Novelette Barrett.

Bernice had a deep love for cooking, and her kitchen was always open-especially on Sundays and during the holidays. Christmas, her favorite time of year, was when she truly shined. She was the heart of every gathering, and people knew that if they stopped by, they'd leave with full stomachs and fuller hearts. Feeding people was her love language, and it didn't matter who you were-if you showed up, you were getting a plate.

She adored family above all else and cherished every reunion, road trip, and fishing day spent together. Whether it was picking peas, shelling them, or swapping stories, Bernice made the ordinary moments extraordinary. Her family fondly remembers car trips where they learned about their heritage and life itself just by listening to her.

A proud, hard-working woman, Bernice worked at Bank of America for over 20 years, and in earlier years, served in the kitchen at Antioch and on the Usher board. She was also a former member of the "Friendly Ladies" social club, where her love for people and her vibrant personality truly fit in. Known as a social butterfly, Bernice never met a stranger. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel at home and had a natural sense of humor that stayed with her to the very end.

Bernice loved music, life, and having a marvelous time. Her home was filled with love, warmth and acceptance, her honesty was unwavering. She was the one who would tell you the truth, even when it was hard to hear-but always with love and wisdom.

She was giving to a fault and would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. Her generosity, strength, and fierce love made her a guiding light in the lives of many.

Bernice Brown was more than just a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor-she was a foundation, a storyteller, and a joyful soul who will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Bernice is now reunited in heaven with her parents; Mr. Colbert James Wardell and Novelette Barrett, and son-in-law; Albert Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are siblings; Don "Sonny" Bradford and Annette Green both of Midland, TX, her three children; Yulonda Smith of Desoto, TX, Tim (Candi) Fisher of College Station, TX, and Sherry Brown of Midland, TX, Grandchildren; Tierra (Dr. Quetin) Wright, Nancy Jordan, Timmie Fisher II, Tamarah Fisher, Brooklyn Green, Amaya Wright and Victoria Wright.