Bernice Ruth Fikes

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Mrs. Bernice Ruth Fikes, 63, of Blytheville passed away on Monday, July 25, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis. She was born in Blytheville to Thurman John Pate and Martha E. May Pate on May 31, 1953.

She was a lifelong resident of this area.She was a very talented person who taught herself how to play the guitar. She loved playing the guitar and singing gospel songs for churches, revivals, and at home. She loved going to church! She was a great cook and loved to make chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and spaghetti (she said everything a diabetic isn't supposed to have!). Bernice loved her coffee, eating tomatoes, and she really enjoyed eating catfish with her mother in Iuka, Mississippi!

Her other interests included traveling state to state, but her best moments were spent with her two granddaughters, who called her "Nana" and who she lovingly referred to as "Pumpkin and Mophead." She especially enjoyed it when they all crowded in one bed together.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Onie Jr. Fikes; two sisters: Martha Doyle and Patricia Brown; and two brothers: Travis Pate and Floyd Pate.

She is survived by one son, Timmy Gene Fikes of Gosnell;

One daughter, Shalia (Shana) Lynne Underwood and Josh of Half Moon;

Three grandchildren, Laurie Jane Annalora, Alyssa Kay Birster, and Kylee Ann Underwood;

Two brothers, Gene Pate of Holland Missouri and George Pate of the state of Alabama;

And other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Carney Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Linda Brewer officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday 12-2 p.m. Burial will be in Dogwood Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.