Bernice Bertha Hebert (82) a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, wife, mother and friend to all-met her heavenly Father, Saturday, June 18, 2011, at her residence in Heartland Community North of Bethel, MO. She was surrounded by loved ones and friends in her final days, each felt honored to serve her.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Vernon and a sister, Salley
Bernice was born to William August and Lena Helen Hamper Bender on June 3, 1929, in St. Louis, MO where she was raised until she journeyed south to attend college. She was united in marriage to Joseph Horace (Jay) Hebert, on June 18, 1949, in Amory, MS.
Surviving are her husband Joseph (Jay) Hebert, of Heartland, four children, Stephen Hebert and wife Sandy of St. Peters, MO, David Hebert and wife Martha of Sherman, TX, Dennis Hebert and wife Jean of St. Charles, MO, and Mary Ellen Martin and husband Ed of Wright City, MO, one brother Irwin Bender of FL, seven grandchildren, Kevin of St. Peters, MO, Kelly of St. Peters, MO, Joel and Rochel of Kansas City, MO, Brett and Sylvia of Hoyleton, IL, Jenna of St. Peters, MO, Kayla of St. Charles, MO, Anthony of Dallas, TX, and Alecia of Sherman, TX, and four great grandchildren, Andrea and C.J. of Kansas City, MO, and Jacob and Zachariah of Hoyleton, IL.
Mrs. Hebert received her degree in Theology at Pentecostal Bible Institute in Tupelo, MS. After graduating from PBI Bernice and her husband returned to the St. Louis, MO area and served the Lord in numerous ways and places for decades. They raised their family, traveled and blessed their community.
For thirty years Bernice served as the Director of The International Ministerial Association (IMA) office. She also was an ordained minister through the IMA. Bernice worked diligently on the Foreign Missions Board of her church organization for the last several years, later receiving Emeritus status.
Most recently Bernice and Jay found a home and ministry at Heartland. Bernice's job title was Administrative Assistant at Heartland Christian School, a position she undertook with great enthusiasm. However, her witness and love was an inspiration to all at Heartland and she was thrilled to work closely with good Christian friends to help others find their way to service in Christ.
Bernice enjoyed traveling and always managed to take her golf clubs, she could spot a good green from the interstate. She enjoyed having her laptop near and was considered technologically savvy. She will be missed by many as she was loved by all.
Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Heartland Community Church. Officiating the services will be Minister Lavonda Mansfield. Burial will be in Heartland Cemetery. Music will be provided by Heartland Community Church.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. till time of services at 12:30 p.m. in the Heartland Community Church.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Community Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO, 63537.