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North High School

Bernice DeVorss Obituary

DeVorss, Bernice, former First Lady of Wichita, while Claude was Mayor, passed away Monday, March 14, 2005. Family visitation from 6-8pm, Wednesday, March 16, at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary. Funeral service 10am, Thursday, March 17, at Metropolitan Baptist Church. Memorial with Metropolitan Baptist Church. Bernice was born on a farm where the airport is today. She walked two miles each day to her country school and studied hard on music. She mastered piano and at the age of 13 she was teaching piano students. Later, she went to Allison Jr. High and North High School. She was outstanding in piano and was pianist for the North High Chorus. She met Claude when she was the pianist for the North Hi Glee Club. They went together and since they didn't have money to become engaged they just went DOUBLE Steady until they could afford it. They were both active in music circles in Kansas. She was music instructor and pianist at the West Side Baptist then at the Meridian Ave. Baptist Church. She was organist for a number of years and a charter member of the Metropolitan Baptist Church where she served for 12 years. With her years of teaching piano and serving as organist she truly worked for the Lord in her music. She was active in Civic Circles and was pianist for the Wichita Symphony. She and Claude enjoyed years of music activities all over Kansas and Bernice helped Claude with his quartets. When Claude was elected International President of the Lions, Bernice entertained in their travels to countries all around the world. God was always first in her life and she not only talked it but she lived a Good Life for Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Maude Parr; brother Lloyd Parr and sister Verna Younkin. She is survived by husband, Claude DeVorss; daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Dr. Fred Dopps, all of Wichita; grandchildren, Sasha Boots, Wichita; Jacqueline Stevens and husband, Ben, Miami, FL; Toben Franke, El Dorado, Lori Bronson and husband, Ron, Lee's Summit, MO, Michael Dopps and wife, Leslie, Dallas, TX; and great grandchildren, Alexander Franke, Skyler Boots, Claudia Stevens, Ashtin Cowart, Jordan Cowart, Ryan Bronson, Brandon Bronson.

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Published by Wichita Eagle from Mar. 15 to Mar. 16, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernice DeVorss

17 Entries

Virginia Breit(Garcia)

March 23, 2005

Those we love are with the Lord and the Lord has promised to be with us. If they are with Him and He is with us they are not that far away,Your friend in Christ. Virginia

Irene Rubin Seastrum

March 21, 2005

Nancy and Family,

May Bernice rest in peace, cradled in the arms of the Almighty, surrounded by angels.

Love always,

Kaye Barth

March 18, 2005

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you were in my thoughts yesterday and pray that God's love will continue to carry you through these difficult days. Your beloved wife is currently walking the streets of gold and enjoying the best music possible. May God bless you forever. Your fiend in Christ.

Virginia Breit (Garcia)

March 17, 2005

Nancy, Remeber me. We graduated from East together. What a wonderful and full life your mother lead. I can still remember when David took piano lessons from her. She was a dear to play at all 3 funerals of my children. What a blessing when a Christian enters Heaven. Tell your Dad I said hello and next time I go to Wichita I will call and we can have lunch ..

Harolyn Cathey

March 17, 2005

Nancy and Family, Nancy, though I didn't have the honor of meeting Bernice, she must have been a wonderful lady to have raised such a wonderful daughter. May God's peace be with you at this time. Hold on to the memories of the past; and release the pain of loss into our Savior's loving care.

Love and prayers, Mark & Harolyn Cathey.

Aubrey & Ellen Green

March 16, 2005

Dear Claude, We are deeply grieved to hear of dear Bernice's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and Nancy. We shall continue to hold Bernice in happy memory of days of adventure, excitement and happiness on the many occasions which we shared. Our sincere condolences to you, Nancy, and family. Love, Aubrey & Ellen

Dale and Debbie Dawson

March 16, 2005

Dear Claude,

We are so sorry to hear of Bernice's passing. We know you will miss her terribly. May God give you grace and comfort in this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tammy Greiving

March 16, 2005

Claude:

My grandfather, Ed Jurgensen, has been at Riverside Village for the last two years along with Bernie. The love and support that you gave to Bernie has been an inspiration to me and countless others in your steadfast care of her. Her mind has been set free and because of God we have eternal hope. You are in my prayers.

Tammy Greiving

Phil Morris

March 16, 2005

Claude and family,

Bernice touched lives as gently as she touched the keys, and brought to life melodies that will last within us a lifetime and beyond. Her wit, joy-filled smile, gleeful childish joy and deep faithfulness are her legacy. Her mind may have failed lately, but now made clear and new, surely she is smiling in the joy and peace of her faith. I cherish our visits at Hyde Park, she at the organ, me sitting on the altar railing learning, sharing and being linked together even when miles separated closeness.

Claude may you be surrounded with peace this day, for you have walked beside her all along her journey. She is now freed; soon all of us will too be set to flying like beautiful butterflies of Easter morning.

Ira & Shelley Killgore

March 15, 2005

Nancy and family; I am very sorry to hear about your Mother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time because I am sure that your Mother will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Ken & Laura Oxley

March 15, 2005

Dear Claude, Nancy, and family: Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Bernice was a wonderful and special lady who will be missed by all. We will never forget the wonderful time we had with you at the Lions International Convention in Hawaii! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love...

Robert L Bonat

March 15, 2005

Claude,

Our hearts are saddened this day for your loss. She was a wonderful lady and God did bless you with her presence in your life for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with you and your family during this time.

Christian love,

Bob and Carolyn Bonat

Tom & Charlene Broughton

March 15, 2005

Dear Claude:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We have many fond memories of Bernice in the family of Lionism. We will always remember her glowing smile and her gentle way of making all feel at home. May God Bless.

Brenda Ingram

March 15, 2005

Claude, I know you'll miss Bernie. I just wanted you to know that people who loved both of you are grieving with you. Watching her become more ill over the years, I know she's in a better place, playing the piano.

Love, Brenda Ingram

Don & Cay Thiesing

March 15, 2005

Dear Claude & Family,

Don and I send you are deepest sympathy and prayers. We loved Bernice and always enjoyed her and her music. Please know that we are thinking of you and send you our love.

Love

Don and Cay Thiesing

Bob & Jane Knight

March 15, 2005

We are so very, very sorry to hear about Bernice. What an extaordinary lady. She had remarkable beauty, charm, and talent and was such an asset for our community. We truly valued her friendship.

Roger & Jeni Yates

March 15, 2005

Claude: You and Bernice were such a part of our lives; at church and through association with our parents. We hold you in our prayers as you face this time in your life. Our sincere condolences.

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