Berniece Fincher Johnson

1930 - 2025

Odessa - Berniece Fincher Johnson was born on October 12, 1930, and died on December 31, 2025, in the final minutes of the year.

Berniece was born in Oklahoma and moved to Odessa, Texas as a young girl with her mother, father, and four brothers. In those early years, the family lived in a wagon while her father and brothers built their home, a beginning that reflected the grit, resilience, and closeness that would define her life.

She married Neal Johnson, and together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage and one son, Paul. Neal preceded her in death. Berniece was immensely proud of Paul, who became a dentist in Odessa. In her later years, and especially during the final year of his life, she devoted herself to companioning him, cherishing their enduring bond.

Berniece and Neal traveled extensively throughout their lives, visiting more than 50 countries. Seeing the world beyond Odessa was deeply important to her, yet Odessa was always the only place they truly considered home. Among their favorite memories were family trips throughout Europe, including a special journey where they purchased a Volkswagen Beetle in Germany and drove across the continent together. Summers were often spent water skiing at Grandfalls with beloved friends, including Judy, Debbie, and many others.

A lifelong and deeply active member of First Presbyterian Church of Odessa, Berniece served for many years with the youth group, choir, and handbells. She also served on the board of the Odessa Symphony and Chorale, sang in the chorale for many years, and had a profound appreciation for the Symphony.

In 1965, Berniece took up snow skiing, a pursuit that became central to her life. Ski Apache became something of a second family to her. Known to most as "BJ," she formed lifelong friendships with fellow ski patrollers, friendships she deeply treasured. Barney was particularly special to her; she loved ballooning with him, and in later years he always made time to stop in Odessa while traveling to see his own mother.

Berniece was one of the first female National Ski Patrollers. She pulled sleds until the age of 80, skied for 50 years until age 85, and continued working in the patrol room until it became time to be with her son during his final days. She taught all three of her grandchildren, Wesley, Jennifer, and Jeffrey to ski, passing along both skill and love for the mountains.

In her later years, as aging gradually caught up with her, Penni Simpson came into her life and became an extraordinary presence. Penni took exceptional care of Berniece and remained faithfully by her side until her final breath. She was an absolute blessing.

Berniece was preceded in death by her lifelong friend Judy, who passed just months earlier. Cousin Carol was a particularly special friend who shared many wonderful times with Berniece and continued checking on her until the end. Heidi was another dear friend who ensured Berniece never missed a holiday meal. There were countless others for whom Berniece held deep affection and gratitude.

Berniece was a remarkable woman who experienced life in a way few ever do. May God bless her soul.

A service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Odessa on January 10th at 2pm. Burial will take place on January 2nd in the family plot in Del Rio, Texas.

Those wishing to express their condolences may consider making a contribution to First Presbyterian Church of Odessa.