Berniece Fogle

Berniece Fogle, 90, passed peacefully at home on November 7th, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born near St. John, Kansas on December 22, 1934 to John Neil and Amber Hazel (Hunting) Wilkinson. She was the 9th of their 10 children and was the last of her siblings to pass away. We're sure there's dancing and singing with her brothers and sisters as they welcomed her home. She was named Wilma Berniece Wilkinson but always preferred to be called Berniece. Her family moved to Union Church, Mississippi when she was 6 years old and she began school. There she met her life-long friends, Ruth Merle and Shirley Faye. Through faithful and frequent phone calls and treasured visits; their friendships have lasted over 80 years. In the 10th grade her family moved to Centerton, Arkansas and she attended school in Bentonville. This is when she met the love of her life, Donald Fogle. Her senior year of high school, she moved back to Mississippi and lived with her sister, Mary Althea, graduating in 1953. A smitten, Donald Fogle, followed her to Mississippi, brought her back to Arkansas and they were married April 25, 1953 in Vaughn, Arkansas; just 5 days after she graduated High School. They made a lot of memories together raising 3 children, working and traveling when they could; usually to see her large family, as she enjoyed a close relationship with her siblings, nieces and nephews. After their children were grown, they were regulars at Silver Dollar City; buying season passes and a timeshare so they could enjoy the music and shows in Branson. Berniece worked 17 years as a Certified Dietary Manager at St. Mary's Hospital and retired from that position in 1990. She and Donald took a year off and traveled much of the Western United States. She then accepted a job at Wal-Mart as a Security Services Operator, learning computers and alarm systems at 57 years old. She worked there for 15 years, retiring in 2006 at 72 years old.
Donald passed away in 1999 but Berniece continued to enjoy traveling. Visiting Hawaii, going on several cruises and enjoying trips with her children and grandchildren. Berniece was a faithful member of the Southside Church of Christ. A devoted Christian and believer in God; we are thankful that she is now pain free, rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones that have gone before.
Berniece was a wonderful Mother and a generous lady with the biggest heart. She always wanted to make things easier for her loved ones and those around her. She was a constant volunteer when her children were growing up. From PTA, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts to church camp, band camp and Girl Scout day camp. She was always there to guide and pray for her children and their friends. Many of those children, now in their 60's, still look to her as their second Mom.
She is survived by her 3 loving children: Donna Mack Martinez, Larry (Phyllis) Fogle, Shirley (Cliff) Groombridge. Her 8 Grandchildren and families: Greg (Dorathy) Mack, Gary (Danielle) Mack, Angel Martinez (Branden), Andrew Fogle, Matthew Fogle and Timothy (Diane) Fogle, Stephanie Buckley and Stacey Platz. 8 Great Grands: Tyra, Katie, Kyle (Bethany), Steven, Isla, Rhona, Eli and Ava. 5 Great-Great Grands: Remington, Maezlee, Hunter, Abbygayle and Tahlia. As well as many loving nieces, nephews and friends that she considered family.
If you would like to make a donation in her memory, she asked they be made to Green Valley Bible Camp, Attn: Treasurer, PO Box 65, Rogers, AR 72757-0065. She spent many summers cooking and helping there.
Services will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 18th at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th Street, Rogers, AR 72756. (Casual Dress) Burial will follow at Tuck's Chapel Cemetery 12445 W Tucks Chapel Rd, Rogers, AR 72756. Please join us after 12:30 pm for a luncheon provided by and served at Southside Church of Christ, at 919 S Dixieland Rd in Rogers.