Bernice Eloise Houston

Bernice Eloise Houston was born to her loving parents, Walter and Richetta Betts, June 12, 1938, in Madison, Alabama. She graduated from Council High School in 1957 and moved to Rockford, IL, where she met and married the love of her life, Fred Houston, April 18, 1959. From this union, two beautiful children were born, Mark Dwayne (deceased), and Michael Dereke. Bernice was a loving wife, friend and partner to Fred and their marriage was one of love, laughter, and happiness. They provided a loving, protective, and comforting home for their children. She was a family woman, who devoted her life to nurturing and caring for their every need, as well as her grandchildren. She practically raised her grandchildren and was actively involved in every phase of their childhood development. She especially enjoyed watching them participate in soccer and she attended all of their sporting events and performances. She had a full and wonderful life, filled with gardening, cooking, shopping, traveling, eating diverse foods from around the world, and laughing with everyone. She loved to cook and got great enjoyment in preparing a meal for others. To her, cooking was her way of expressing love to those who had the pleasure of consuming any of her dishes. She was a proud, happy, strong woman who was described as a “woman with a good heart”, always trying to help others; providing assistance and advice when asked and sometimes when not asked. Strangers were not exempted. She made everyone feel welcome and comfortable in her home. Nobody was a stranger to her. She was a Jehovah Witness most of her adult life and she received strength, and comfort from the bible. It guided her in life, the way she raised her children, grandchildren and how she treated everyone Bernice will be dearly missed and life, for those who knew and loved her, will not be the same. She leaves behind her husband, Fred, who loves and adores her, son Michael who loves his “Mama”, grandchildren Mark II, Dominick, and Celina, and daughter-in-law Tarey. She is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Evan, Phoenix, Az. and Ethel Coleman, Cleveland, Oh, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends across the country. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernice Eloise Houston please visit our Sympathy Store.