Bernice Fryer

Bernice C. Fryer, age 104, of Harborcreek, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025. She was born in Big Cedar, OK on February 19, 1921, daughter of the late Coe and Carrie Jennings Thompson.

Bernice earned a degree in Home Economics from Oklahoma State and devoted her early years to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother. Once they were grown, she began substitute teaching in special education classes, later earning her certification and teaching for 18 years. She firmly believed that education was a gift no one could ever take away, which is why she valued it so deeply.

She was gifted in sewing, quilting, baking, and cooking, often sharing her talents through donations to The Salvation Army and Messiah Lutheran Church. Every dessert she made had a story, and she never relied on a recipe. Up until a few years ago, she continued preparing Thanksgiving dinners for her family.

Bernice deeply loved her church community and was always active in its events. She also enjoyed gardening and fishing, even taking a catfishing trip on the Arkansas River well into her 90s.

Above all, Bernice was known for her kindness, her positive spirit, and her ability to make friends wherever she went.

Bernice is survived by two children, Alan Fryer (Pamela) and Linda Fryer; five grandchildren, Andrew Suroviec, Mark Suroviec (Alice), Vera Suroviec, Brad Nichols (Whitney) and Kelly Chimera (Jim); seven great-grandchildren, Margaret Suroviec, Lucy Suroviec, Anna Needham (Connor), Alexis Chimera, Braxton Nichols, Brodie Nichols and Brooklyn Nichols; one great-great-granddaughter, Raelynn Needham; one sister, Alta Lake; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest E. Fryer; one granddaughter, Madison Workman; and three siblings, Junun Thompson, RC Thompson and Nola Rouse.

Friends may call at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 2025 Eastern Avenue, on Monday, October 6th, from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Service there at 11 am. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 1022 Liberty Street, Erie, PA 16502, Habitat for Humanity, 4922 Pittsburgh Avenue, Erie, PA 16509 or the Second Harvest Food Bank, 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.