(From Parker Mortuary) Berniece Matchell, age 93, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at her daughter’s home in her sleep.
Berniece was born April 21, 1928 in Springfield, Missouri, daughter of the late Guy Rolland Speer and Hallie Bryan Speer. She moved to Joplin in 1931 where she grew up attending Joplin Schools, and later received her GED at the age of 55.
She worked for George's Lunchroom, McGee’s Drug Store, Montie’s Pharmacy, Safeway Bakery for several years before working for Bagcraft from 1974 – 1991 as an inspector. She was historian for the Earl J. Bruton V.F.W. and a proud flag bearer.
She was a member of Blendville Christian Church where she was baptized, and also taught Sunday School in the 2 to 3 year old class for years. She enjoyed her time as a Girl Scout Leader which she did for six years at Emerson Elementary School, Troop 36. She loved quilting, crafting, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Berniece was preceded in death by her husband, Jonathan Wesley Matchell, who passed in 1978; three sisters, Pauline Riley, Evelyn Knight, and Laura Mae Bishop; five brothers, Basil “Tony” Speer, Paul Kenneth Speer, Norman Speer, Franklin Speer, and Burl Speer.
Survivors include her son, Bryan Matchell and wife Julie of Webb City; daughter, Gwenn Smith and husband Howard of Webb City; seven grandchildren, Jamie Stanley, Katie McAllister, Dan Stanley, Myra Matchell, Holly Levell and husband Shane, Aaron Pietrzak and wife Erin, and Joy Nolen; 12 great-grandchildren, Ava, Micah, Isaiah, Ezra, Sophia, Macy, Haven, Laya, Malorie, Joshua, Axel, and Joslyn; three step-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be Friday, September 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Randy Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Father Flanigan’s Boys Town care of Parker Mortuary.
In addition to her parents, Berniece was preceded in death by her husband, Jonathan Wesley Matchell, who passed in 1978; three sisters, Pauline Riley, Evelyn Knight, and Laura Mae Bishop; five brothers, Basil “Tony” Speer, Paul Kenneth Speer, Norman Speer, Franklin Speer, and Burl Speer.
Survivors include her son, Bryan Matchell and wife Julie of Webb City; daughter, Gwenn Smith and husband Howard of Webb City; seven grandchildren, Jamie Stanley, Katie McAllister, Dan Stanley, Myra Matchell, Holly Levell and husband Shane, Aaron Pietrzak and wife Erin, and Joy Nolen; 12 great-grandchildren, Ava, Micah, Isaiah, Ezra, Sophia, Macy, Haven, Laya, Malorie, Joshua, Axel, and Joslyn; three step-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be Friday, September 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in Parker Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Randy Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Father Flanigan’s Boys Town care of Parker Mortuary.
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