Bernice Ann Lesmeister

Bernice A. Lesmeister

With her children by her side, Bernice Lesmeister, age 61, passed away peacefully January 15, 2021.

Bernice was the youngest of 9 children, born to Clement William Lesmeister and Teresa Mary Rotert Lesmeister of Butler, MO. She was raised on a dairy farm that was famous for its Guernsey cattle. In high school she was active in the Future Homemakers of America, the American Field Service Chapter and Future Business Leaders of America.

After high school, Bernice relocated to Corpus Christi, TX where she met her then husband. Together they had two children, Robert and Rachel Pennington. Bernice was a wonderful mother and an outstanding role model. She was supportive and involved in everything they wanted to be a part of: soccer, baseball, kickball, football, jump rope, volleyball, basketball, raising all kinds of animals, and the list could go on and on.

In 1999, Bernice started her teaching career at Calallen Middle School, she taught 6th grade Keyboarding and 7th/8th grade Technology Applications. Her fun-loving personality and passion for teaching made her a favorite amongst the students.

Education was very important to Bernice. While raising a family she was able to pursue a college education. In 2004, she graduated from Texas A&M - Corpus Christi with a Master Degree in Science.

In 2013, at the age of 53, Bernice was diagnosed with early on set Alzheimer’s. Shortly after this diagnosis, Bernice relocated to North Carolina to be near her daughter. Even with this diagnosis, Bernice’s personality shined through, she continued to make friends, bring joy and laughter to many people’s lives. Bernice’s laugh and smile will always be remembered.

Bernice was preceded in death by her father Clement, mother Teresa, brothers Donald and Harold.

Bernice is survived by her son, Robert Pennington of San Antonio, TX his wife, Anna, and their two children, Ellie and Ethan; her daughter, Rachel Hardison of Kinston, NC her husband, Scott and their daughters, Kenly and Charlotte; four brothers, Joe Lesmeister of Arlington, WA, Johnny Lesmeister and wife, Karen of Bolivar, MO, Ralph Lesmeister and wife, Kathy of Spring Branch, TX and Francis Lesmeister and wife, Robin of Butler, MO; two sisters, Sharon Miller and husband, Ken of Nixa, MO and Evelyn Beebe and husband, Robert of Montrose, MO; 4 grandchildren.

An amazing, beautiful, strong woman was lost but her family is taking comfort in knowing that she is in heaven looking down on them.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at  6 pm on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Tanglewood Church of God , Kinston, NC with pastor Allen Stocks officiating.