DAVIDSON, Bernice Hillam Bernice Davidson, who learned the value of hard work growing up on a potato farm and applied it throughout her life in service to others, passed away of brain cancer March 6, 2015. She was 79. Bernice was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on Sept. 26, 1935, to Marvin and Laura (Lemmon) Hillam of Marysville, Idaho. She married Robert Duane Davidson of Salt Lake City in 1958 and moved in 1968 to Carmichael, Calif. Bernice had a way of making everyone feel like they were her best friend. She always wanted to be like "Pollyanna" and find happiness in all situations. She was a local women's leader for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she volunteered with LDS social services, helping people locally and globally. She served two LDS missions in Africa with her husband and loved their weekly service in the Sacramento Temple. Her family was her greatest joy. Besides her husband, Bernice is survived by their five children and 21 grandchildren: Denece (Gary) Zavoral and kids Melissa Hoof, Jeremy, Zachary, Katie Garrett and Matthew; Doran (Diane) Davidson and kids Danielle Nyholm, Andrew, Spencer and Trevor; Suzanne (Kevin) Bush and kids Alisa Burnett, Emily Simons, Lauren and Steven; Sandra (Wyatt) Bryan and kids Aubrey McCain, Renton, Abby and Aaron; and Jill (Shawn) Mason and kids Joshua, Alli, Natalie and Kira. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and siblings Nina Meyers, Grace Murdoch, Vonda Bjorn, Lola Packer and Rulon Hillam. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Margaret Hansen. A viewing will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Price Funeral Chapel, 6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights. Services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the LDS Carmichael Stake Center, 4125 San Juan Ave., Fair Oaks.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on Mar. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Davidson

21 Entries

Ethel Bokani Dumulomo Jena

March 17, 2015

I will miss this Heavenly sent angel. Her love and beautiful smile will ever be in my memory - I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet her while serving a mission in Zimbabwe with her husband and continued to be in contact even until now - almost 20 years after their mission. I am shocked at her departure! May her soul rest in peace til we meet again. Brother Davidson, my sincere condolesces to you and all your family at this great loss. feeling heartbroken.

Donna Darr

March 14, 2015

Brother Davidson and your wonderful family: I lived next door to Jill and Shawn and had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Sister Davidson. Knowing and loving Jill is one of the greatest blessing I have received in my life. You and Sister Davidson raised such wonderful children. Bernice was so close to being perfect and she set such a wonderful example for all of us that knew her. I certainly learned a lot from her. She shared her talents teaching her girls and granddaughters her skills and talents. But more important she taught us all how to love one another, and how to serve one another. She spent her life following her Lord. My life has been enriched and blessed for knowing Sister Davidson. I love her and I pray that memories of her will help you all through this time of her loss.

Marlys Brown

March 14, 2015

I saddened to hear of Bernice's death. I loved her sweetness and outlook on life. When you moved your family to California I missed her more than you will know. My love goes out to the entire family. We know she is in a better place and renewing her love and friendship with friends and family.

Lincoln Horst

March 13, 2015

Carol and I loved being in the Davidson home and visiting with them. Bernie was always so welcoming and loving. She will be missed. We love you.

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March 13, 2015

///////Dear Bernice: What a special girl all the family loved and will miss this lovely lady.. My special love at this time to the family,
So glad you got to read my book before leaving,
Uncle Byron

Tonja Flynn

March 12, 2015

I only knew Bernice for a short time but she made a powerful impression on me and those she served with in the Sacramento Temple. Always a smile and hug to share that never failed to lift my spirits. She will be missed but not forgotten.

Helen Self

March 12, 2015

Bernice was a good friend as we worked with the Primary Girls in Activity Days. I loved her kindness and sense of humor. She was a joy in my life and those of the girls we served. I am thankful for her wonderful example in my life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

March 12, 2015

Rest in peace my dear friend. Lorinda Pruitt and family.

Alyson Johnson

March 12, 2015

I always loved being at the Davidson's home, Suzy's mom is a special women, great memories! Love to you all.

Pene Wendell

March 11, 2015

What a wonderful experience to have known Bernice and be able to share some of her life with her. Knowing her made my life better and happier. You rose above the world Bernice and will fly on splendid wings into eternity. Til we meet again, adieu.

Reed and Teresa Holbrook

March 11, 2015

We remember your mom and dad well Denece. Such great people. So long ago and they still stand out. Remember a class your dad taught on marriage once. Excellent. Your mom always has had a great smile. So glad they got to do two missions. Will look forward to seeing them in the eternities. Take care. It's hard to lose a mom. Reed and Teresa Holbrook, Central Point Oregon.

Gary and Robin Whiting

March 11, 2015

We send our love and condolences to the Davidson family. Bernice was a special lady that served with grace and was always a joy to be around. She will be missed dearly.

Cheryl Parker Winfree

March 11, 2015

The Parker family is thinking of you and praying for you. We share many great memories of your mother and your family. No doubt she is spreading love and cheer to others now, just as she always has. We pray that you will continue to feel her love around you daily.

Betty Jo Colbert

March 11, 2015

I have wonderful memories of Bernice and Bob from 35 years ago when we were in the same ward. Then recently seeing them both in the Temple. She truly was a Pollyanna, always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with your family that Heavenly Father will comfort you in your grief.

Kari Hutchison-Reay

March 11, 2015

To the Davidson family,
Bernice was such a good friend to my Mom June Hutchison while she was sick with cancer. She also has been so good to my father Bill Hutchison since my mother passed. Thank you for that. RIP sweet lady, you will be missed.

Greg Garrett family.

March 11, 2015

So sorry for your loss. Bernice has left an amazing legacy by her wonderful example. We love you Katie you and your family are in our prayers.

Nick & Donna Dushku

March 11, 2015

To the Davidson family--our family has so many wonderful memories of your mom. Your parents have been great friends, and the best examples of how to live a good life & serve others while having fun. We want to be friends throughout eternity. We send our love and prayers.

Gwen Freeman

March 11, 2015

To all the Davidson family, Our prayers are with your family. We love you all so much and are so grateful for the gospel and family. Love from the Freeman's to the Davidson's.

Sandra Lemmon Orton

March 11, 2015

To All of Bernice's family,
My family is so sorry for your loss. It was too soon, too quick. But, God has a plan for each of us and Bernice had fulfilled her place on earth. Good-bye to one of the sweetest relatives in my line. I will see you again.

Maargo Voyce

March 11, 2015

I know Bernice was a wonderful, loving person as her daughters are all so happy and always very sweet. Sister Davidson was a wonderful example to her children and was always kind and sweet.

Fern Martin

March 11, 2015

Bernice is one of the most amazing women I have ever known. I can't imagine life without her. She was loving, caring, funny, smart, and spent her life serving others. I will miss her so very much. My deepest condolences to the Davidson family.

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