Barbourville, Ky. – Bernice Howard , age 87, of Lily, Kentucky passed away June 28, 2024. Bernice was the daughter of the late John Murphy and Pearlie Smith Murphy born to them August 19, 1936, in Sprule, Kentucky.

Bernice was a kind and loving woman who cherished her family dearly.  She was a Christian and dedicated member of Indian Creek Baptist Church in Gray, Kentucky.  Bernice had a strong work ethic.  She kept a loving home for her family while also working many years as a short order cook at Howard's Townhouse and Venoy Drive Inn Restaurants in Wayne, Michigan, and later at the Rooster Crow Restaurant in Westland, Michigan.  In her spare time, Bernice enjoyed singing at church, gardening, cooking, canning, and selling interesting items and goods at area flea markets.

Left behind to mourn Bernice's passing are sons Don Howard, Glenn Howard (Ann), and Brian Herbert Howard (Denise); and daughter Mary Delane Smith (Richard); six grandchildren Michael David Taylor, Melissa Delane Taylor, Danny Probelski, Steven Howard, Chrissy Howard, and Donna Marie Upton; and seven great grandchildren Bentley, Jordan, Keith, Jaylen, Brendan, Riley, and Riley Joseph.  A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including special cousin Pap Corey, also survive Bernice; as does Brittany Asher, who was like a daughter to Bernice, and dear friend Barbara King.

In addition to her parents, John and Pearlie Murphy, Bernice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert Howard, a son Stanley Keith Howard; brothers Roy Murphy, Carl Murphy, Henry Murphy, John Murphy Jr., Tom Murphy, and Troy Murphy; and sister Lois Foster.

The Howard family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 2:00 PM until the funeral hour of 4:00 PM.  Reverend Mann Cobb will officiate; assisted by Christopher Upton who will read the obituary.  Interment will follow the funeral service in the Cottongim Cemetery., Woollum, Kentucky.  Pallbearers are Travis Brandstetter, Ricky Merida, Waylon Corey, Christopher Upton, Ricky Gibson, Richard Smith, Doug Gibson, and Austin Corey.

The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bernice Howard .

Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Bernice Howard .