Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Sep 21, 1918 – Sep 17, 2021 (Age 102)
Viola "Bernice" Eastman (Plank) passed peacefully into eternity 9/17/21, 4 days short of her 103rd birthday. (9/21/1918)
Bernice, as she was known, was the daughter of Alfred and Annie Plank. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, she graduated from Flint Central High School in 1936 and is a graduate of Baker Business College. She married Dale K. Eastman 1/13/1940, in Flint, Michigan.
Bernice loved people and was always ready to help someone. This led her to work as a church secretary for Central Nazarene Church, First Nazarene Church and Central United Methodist Church. She retired in 1987 from the Carman Ainsworth School district after 15 years where she was a school secretary.
Bernice was a member of Riverside Tabernacle since 1929. Over the years, she served her church as a pianist, Sunday School Teacher and Greeter. Her warm smile and engaging personality welcomed many to the services. She also was a member of the Central High School reunion committee (Class of 36), a member of Association of Retired School Personnel, and the Genesee Association of Retired School Personnel. Bernice was a long- time member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and was their woman of the year in 2018.
She is survived by her, son Rev. Lynn A. (Jeanne) Eastman of Bonita Springs, Florida, Daughter Janet B. (Larry) Nichols of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Granddaughter Stephanie A. (Troy) Vozar of Knoxville, Tennessee and Grandson Zachary D. A. (Kaitlyn) Eastman of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her Father Alfred Plank and Mother, Annie Plank and husband of 51 years Dale K. Eastman (October of 1991.)
Special thanks to McLaren Hospice, the medical team staff and the American House staff for their compassionate care and concern for Bernice.
Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: Riverside Tabernacle Flint, Michigan and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Kanob, Utah.
The Family will receive visitors Tuesday 9/ 21/21 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Service will be 11:00 AM 9/22/21 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. Pastor Tom Mattiuzzo officiating.
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I live at American House in Grand Blanc where Bernice lived. In fact she was a hall mate and friend. Just yesterday, her name came up in a conversation among friends who knew her. What a fine lady! I believe we live on after our death in the lives of those whom we have touched. Bernice touched many lives at AHGB. Peace, Dale Wolfgram
Dale Wolfgram
September 16, 2022
Lynn and Jeanne, Janet and Larry Sorry to learn of the passing of your mom. My condolences to you and your family. I remember both of your parents from my time in Flint, enthusiastic and smiling greeters welcoming all to Riverside. May the Lord comfort you in knowing that we will see them again some day.
David Amendola
October 10, 2021
Mrs Eastman was a neighbor of ours on Hill Rd. My mother and her went to the same high school and graduated the same year. Mrs Eastman was always so sweet and nice. My thoughts are with her friends and family.
Ann Anthony (Johnson)
September 28, 2021 | Friend
Stalwart and loving !! One incredible lady of faith. Diane and I are not alone in our position. Ivan & Maxine loved her as well. We share in your loss, and celebrate her contributions to our lives. Happy is heaven for her entry.
VAN & DIANE FROWNFELTER
September 26, 2021 | MATTOON, IL | Friend
Lynn, Jeanne & Janet, Larry
We are sorry that we didn’t know about your mothers passing. If we would have known we would have come to the funeral. Your mother was a wonderful woman and special to us.
Joe & Pat Leslie
September 24, 2021 | 3109 N Oak Rd Davison, MI 48
Dear Lynn, Jean, Janet and family. Always appreciate Bernice and her email skills. She was always eager to hear news about our family, kids and grands. She truly didn’t want to miss out on anything. She loved hearing my stories about lost pets and strays in my neighborhood. When she wanted to know something, she asked. It was a pleasure to be with her on the Central Alumni Committee. She will be missed. Love, Max, Julie Taylor. Flint, Mi.
Julie Taylor
September 22, 2021 | Flint, MI | Friend
Bernice and Dale were like family to us. I have so many wonderful memories of both--they welcomed us to Riverside and made it feel like home. Bernice always spoke her truth, but in a loving and caring way. She was a true spiritual warrior, and I know there is a great reunion happening in heaven! My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. I hope your memories of Bernice bring you some measure of peace and comfort.
Julie Kerr
September 21, 2021 | Holly, MI | Friend
Lynn and Jeanne, Janet and Larry,
I am sorry to read of the death of your mother. The older I get, the more I look back with great appreciation for the community of faith and care we enjoyed in the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s at Riverside. The influences of so many people are enormous that to begin naming them would create a lengthy list. Yet, the list must include Dale and Bernice. I cannot think of the spiritual formation experiences of Sunday School without thinking about...
Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley
September 21, 2021 | Grand Rapids, MI | Friend
What a wonderful lady! It was a joy and pleasure getting to know her. She will definitely be missed
Sharonda Martinez
September 21, 2021 | Flint, MI