Bernice Wisehart, age 92, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, January 7, 2021, in Westfield, Indiana, where she was living with her daughter, Lynda Sherer.
Bernice was born to Edwin Riggs and Ella Mae Horton Riggs on March 11, 1928, in Wise, Virginia. She was part of a very large family and from the age of 12, took on most of the responsibility of caring for her younger brothers and sisters. At the age of 18, Bernice moved to Richmond to live with two of her sisters. She married Norris Wisehart on September 8, 1951. Bernice worked in the Alumni Development Office at Earlham College for 31 years, retiring in 1995. In her retirement years, Bernice kept active and could often be seen walking at the Earlham Wellness Center with friends. She loved being part of the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bernice was active in West Richmond Friends Meeting. Her family and friends will remember her kind and generous spirit and her exceptional skill in cooking, especially baking.
Bernice is survived by her son, Randy (Tammy Rhoades) Wisehart of Richmond; daughters, Teresa (John) Shipley of Richmond and Lynda (Jim) Sherer of Westfield, Indiana; honorary daughter, Catherine (Michael) Schoenewald of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren, Jonelle (Dave) Ellis of Richmond, Michelle (Joe) Byers of Centerville, Indiana, Kimberly Shipley of Richmond, Kyle (Erica) Shipley of Evansville, Indiana, Luke (Vanessa) Sherer of Chicago, Illinois, Lindsay (Steven) Deeg of Westfield, Jacob (Stacy) Sherer of Carmel, Indiana, Amy (Brian Carter) Wisehart of Ellsworth, Maine, and Alyssa (Elizabeth) Wisehart of West Winfield, New York; great-grandchildren, Courtney and Christopher Ellis of Richmond, Karaline, Ethan, and Anna-Grace Byers, all of Centerville, Elissa Shipley of Evansville, Everett and Oliver Deeg, both of Westfield, and Benjamin Carter Wisehart of Ellsworth; and sister, Sue Moore of Centerville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norris; seven brothers; and three sisters.
There will be no public calling. Burial will be at McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson, Indiana. A memorial service to celebrate Bernice’s life will be held at a future date. Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: West Richmond Friends Meeting, 609 West Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374.