Bernice Hawxby, 91, of Knoxville passed away February 15, 2013 at the Griffin Nursing & Rehab Center in Knoxville. Services will be Tuesday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas, with Pastor Kent Peck conducting the service. Interment will be at the Dallas Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to HCI Care Services of Knoxville or the Alzheimer's Association.

Bernice Sophie De Goey was born August 11, 1921 in Lake Prairie Township, Marion County, Iowa near Pella to Arie and Marie (Van Gorp) De Goey. She grew up in the Pella area. She was married to Reuben "Pook" Hawxby on December 31, 1945. They made their home in Melcher-Dallas where she lived until Pook's death in 1969 when she moved to Knoxville.

Bernice worked at the Overall Factory inn Knoxville, Dallas Elementary School, and the VA Hospital in Knoxville. Bernice loved to listen to hymns and taught Children's Sunday School at the Dallas Methodist Church. She also enjoyed ceramics, crocheting, and reading. Most of all she enjoyed supporting her son in all of his activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben; her parents. Arie and Marie De Goey, and brothers: Robert, Kenneth, and Calvin.

Bernice is survived by her son, Donald (Patti) Hawxby of Melcher-Dallas; granddaughter, Heather (Matt) Svec of Cedar Rapids; and a great grandson, Caleb. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
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