Bernice Odell Smith, age 98, entered into rest on December 8, 2013 in Manteca.  She was born on July 15, 1915 in Greenville, South Carolina to the late John and Cora Banks. In addition to her parents she also preceded in death by her husband, Arthur P. Smith Sr., of 47 years; a son, Gerald Medlock, a daughter, Shirley Hicks; her brother, John F. Banks, and two sisters, Lucille Medlock and Hazel Shirley.  Bernice was a resident of Manteca for 60 years.
   Bernice is survived by her children, Arthur P. Smith Jr. and wife, Alice of Manteca, William R. Smith of Yuba City, and Rick Smith of Ripon.   She was blessed with 13 grandsons and many great grandchildren.  She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Doris Medlock of So. Carolina and her son-in-law, Loyal Hicks of Oklahoma.
   Bernice enjoyed having family dinners at holidays and was a devoted mother and grandmother.  She volunteered at Doctors Hospital and St. Dominic’s Hospital in Manteca for many years after her retirement from Bethany Home in Ripon where she was a cook.  She traveled with her husband across the USA, Canada, and the Southwest.  They enjoyed camping in the Sierra Nevada, particularly Clarks Fork.
   Bernice had many friends at Merrill Gardens Retirement Facility in Manteca where she lived for 14 years, enjoying card games, bingo and socializing.  Recently, she resided at Manteca Care and Rehabilitation Facility where she received wonderful care from many devoted caregivers along with Vitas Innovative Hospice Care.
   P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca is honored to be serving the Smith family. A visitation will be observed Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 10am to11am at P.L. Fry & Son.  Chapel services will follow at 11am. Bernice will be laid to rest privately at Park View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 16956 S. Harlan Road, Lathrop, CA 95330, American Legion Post 249, PO Box 249, Manteca CA 95336; or Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, PO Box 2191, Manteca CA 95336.  An online guestbook is available at www.plfryandson.com.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, December 11, 2013