Bernice Frances Schnerr

1934 - 2023

BERNICE FRANCES SCHNERR, 89, went to meet the Lord on July 13, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Estella Wieser; husband, Billy Marvin Schnerr; a brother, Jarvis B. Wieser and his wife, Jean; two older sisters, Jeanette Wieser and Imogene Christian.

She is survived by a brother, Mark Wieser of Fredericksburg, Texas as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bernice was born on June 23, 1934 in Fredericksburg, Texas. She grew up speaking German and she learned English in elementary school. Bernice was a member of the Battlin' Billies State Championship basketball team in 1948 and '49. She was known as "Little Wieser" and her sister, Imogene who also played on the team as "Big Wieser." Together they combined for many of the points that led the girls to their two State Championship victories. After graduating high school, Bernice attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now known as Texas State University) and was one of the first women to attend Texas A&M for a summer session. She graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College with both a Bachelor and Master of Education.

She married her high school sweetheart, Billy Schnerr in 1954, a marriage that lasted until Bill's passing in 2019. Bernice started her teaching career in Corpus Christi and continued her career in Augusta, Georgia, Texarkana, Lubbock and finally settling in Austin at Austin ISD, teaching for 30+ years. After retirement from teaching Bernice learned court reporting and medical court reporting and after gaining expertise, taught court reporting at Austin Community College. Bernice and Bill started a successful investment club and helped family and close friends grow their retirement funds.

Bernice loved squaring dancing and she and Bill traveled around Texas competing in square dancing events.

She fostered many cats and loved her Dachshunds. Bernice excelled at daily crossword puzzles and was an avid card player, in fact she was successful at everything she put her mind to.

Special thanks to Paula Ruiz, a close friend and caregiver to both Bernice and Bill in their final years.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life between 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2108 Vanderbilt Ln, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Presbyterian Church.