Tributes

In Loving Memory of Bernice Shifflett Bernice Mercedes Shifflett was born October 6, 1931 to Ashton and Clara Mae Droze in Dallas, Texas. Bernice passed away on May the 5th at the age of 93. With heavy hearts and loving memories, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Bernice—our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the undisputed queen bee of our family. Bernice was a woman of sharp wit, fierce independence, and endless generosity. Her intelligence, humor, and determination were unmatched, she carried herself with grace and strength that inspired everyone around her. Always the one to offer help but never ask for it. Bernice loved being in charge, and truth be told, no one did it better. She had a passion for life that was evident in everything she did— she looked forward to yearly outdoor sports like hunting and fishing and she liked watching tennis, football, baseball, golf and loved her legendary family poker games. A true champion of Scrabble, she ruled the board with authority and knew every rule inside and out. If you sat at her poker table, you knew the bet would never go higher than 25 cents—because Bernice said so. Watching Jeopardy! and The Price Is Right were part of her daily ritual. She dedicated many years of her life working at Sears, where she rose to become head of the accounting department, a position she held with pride. But retirement was just another chapter for Bernice. She went on to open Wade’s Place, a beloved neighborhood bar that became a local fixture and a second home for many. There she loved playing a friendly game of darts or shuffleboard. Family members proudly worked under her guidance—because when Bernice had a vision, everyone followed. Bernice’s home in Moore, Texas was her sanctuary — she managed wide open land all on her own. With cows, peacocks, and chickens to tend to, she remained fiercely independent to her last days. In the kitchen she will be remembered for her famous homemade cornbread, chili, fried potatoes, Lima beans and one of a kind snow pecans. The holidays were where Bernice truly shined. She made every Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving magical. Her gifts were thoughtful, abundant, and always from the heart. And of course, no family gathering was complete without a game of poker where she was, as always, the reigning champion. She was the proud mother of five children, including her late daughter Myra Jean (1953–2010). She shared a bond like no other with her granddaughter Jenny. Jenny was not only her constant presence and loyal support, but her confidante, caretaker, and kindred spirit. Above all, Bernice will be remembered for her sarcastic sense of humor, her vibrant spirit, and the warmth and strength she gave so freely. She was truly one of a kind, and our lives are forever better for having known and loved her. We miss you already, Grandma. Your love, laughter, and legacy will live on in our hearts, our holidays, and our games of Scrabble—for generations to come. Bernice leaves behind a wonderful legacy. Son: Richard (Ricky) and spouse Elisa Nibert (Ft. Worth, TX); Zak (Bo) (grandson) and Tami Najera, their children Hunter (grandson) and Peyton Najera, their child Ellia; Haley (granddaughter) and Anthony Niehay, their children Zayden, Niena, and Nico; Rico (grandson) and Leesa Nibert, their children Chris, Ashlyn, Sari and Arria; Adrian (deceased) and Maria Nibert, their children Junior, Daniel and Cristina. Daughter: Sandra King (Sandy) and partner Jack Cumberland Jr. (deceased) (San Antonio, TX); Denise (granddaughter) and Brian Cohrs, their children Justin Cohrs and Amy Cohrs; Dana (granddaughter) Quinones and Ismael Quinones, their children Ashley Gonzalez and Rilan Quinones. Daughter: Myra Jean Nibert (Mickey) (deceased); Jenny Nibert (granddaughter), her children Ethan Poskey and Gavin Levis; John (grandson) and Stefanie Moul, their children Johnny, Sadie, Kayla and Juliet; Sarah (granddaughter) and Mike Brown, their children Jacob and Tyler; Christopher (grandson). Son: Rocky and spouse Mariko Nibert (Sammamish, WA); Chris (grandson) and spouse Erna Nibert, their children Suri and Allegra Nibert; Tina (granddaughter) and Mike Hafferman, their children Hazel and Finnly Hafferman; Amy (granddaughter) and Bill Everson, their child Freya Everson. Son: Randy Nibert (Moore, TX) and Randy Nibert Jr. (grandson). Visitation will begin on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.

Tributes

Bernice Mercedes Shifflett

October 6, 1931 - May 5, 2025