"We were so sorry to learn of Bernice's passing. I worked with Bernice at MSB from 1979 to 1984 and one couldn't find a better egg! So caring about her community and her customers. I am so glad that Roger Stewart and I were able to take her to lunch about three years ago and catch up. Our family has made a donation in her memory to the Maquoketa Community Cupboard Capital Campaign. I hope your memories are nothing buy warm and pleasant. Best. Chuck, Wendy, Kelly Current - Urbandale Iowa "
In loving memory of
Bernice Ethel Watters
August 1, 1925 - May 24, 2021
Bernice E. Watters, 95, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021, at WestWing Place in DeWitt, Iowa.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Friday, June 4, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held from 10 A.M. until service time on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is in charge of the arrangements.
Bernice Ethel Hopson was born on August 1, 1925 near Iron Hill in Jackson County, Iowa, to James and Flora (Dutton) Hopson. She was a 1943 graduate of Maquoketa High School where arithmetic was her favorite subject. This love for math led her to a career in the banking industry. First working at Jackson State Bank and then Maquoketa State Bank where she was in the lending department and worked under the Vice President of the bank.
Bernice met her future husband when he moved into her neighborhood in her younger years. She married Milton M. Watters on May 5, 1946 in Maquoketa, Iowa. They had two daughters, Janiece and Joellen.
Bernice was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa and enjoyed dancing and playing cards. She always liked an adventure, loved to travel and had been all over world except for Antarctica. She was especially proud of her family.
Those left to honor her memory include her children, Janiece (and husband Dale Hinz) Mackenzie of Elwood, IA, and Joellen Wilson of Busselton, Western Australia; 4 grandchildren, Keesha, Sol, Abbie and Kate; 9 great-grandchildren; a special friend and companion since 1986 Jerry Feugen; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Milton on January 5, 1982, 4 brothers Earl, Francis, Ralph and Walter, and a sister Pearl Stoll.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Bernice E. Watters memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Janiece and Joellen, I'm so very sorry to hear about your mom! We are in Arkansas just now, back to Bellevue on 6-18. I have my partner, Tricia Holdgrafer, CPA, calling you to discuss things. My heart goes out to you both as I know you were close to Bernice. To think that I've known you all for at least 60 years is insane, right? Gary & I express our deepest sympathy to you both. You can text, call me anytime at 563-357-4587 or email at jstarr23753@gmail.com. You will need one certified death certificate for our office (563-872-3402). Jolene Starr"
"Such a nice lady, so sorry for your loss"
"I had the pleasure of serving on the PALS Board (similar to Big Brother/Big Sister) with Bernice during the early '80's. She was always such a happy person with a positive outlook. Later I got to reconnect with her when she and my Mom both lived at Clover Ridge. Again, you always knew it was Bernice by the smile on her face. Her cheery disposition was always present and she shared her great outlook willingly. She will be missed. We are sorry for your loss."
"Jo - Sorry to hear about your mom. Hope you are doing well. God Bless. "
"My sincere condolences to all of Bernice's family. Especially to her granddaughter Abbie who is a special friend of mine. Because of that friendship I got to know Bernice and spend some time with her. Such a sweet and beautiful lady."
"To Bernice's family our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"For the family of Bernice Watters, you have my sympathy. Bernice was one of the nicest and sweetest people I met. I will miss her. "