Berniece McCormick

Berniece McCormick, age 85, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family near, at 3:29 a.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at The Anchor Voyage Senior Living Center of Marion.
She was born on September 5, 1938, in the Wolf Creek Community area near Makanda, IL, the daughter of William Clinton and Afton (Bloodworth) Gray.
She attended school in a one room schoolhouse near Makanda for grades 1 through 8. Her family moved to town and she completed her high school education in Marion, graduating in 1956. Later, while in her mid-30s, she resumed her education, attending John A. Logan College of Carterville, IL, where she received her associate degree. She then went on to Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL, attending classes at night and on the weekends, and received her bachelor's degree in human resource management and her Master of Science degree in education with an emphasis on Workforce Education and Development, all while working full time.
She was united in marriage to Raymond Lee McCormick, at the First Baptist Church of Marion, on October 20, 1961, and together they shared over 52 years of marriage until his death on February 9, 2014.
Early in her working career she worked in the Ordill area west of Marion, for Montgomery Ward, and for FoodTown Grocery. She also served as the pastor's secretary for First Baptist Church of Marion, and then spent 25 years working for the Veteran's Hospital in Marion in the Accounting Department. She often traveled to Carbondale to administer Civil Service Exams on weekends. She ended her career working for 15 plus years at John A. Logan College of Carterville, IL, in the Testing, Assessment and Advisement Departments until she retired at age 70.
Berniece enjoyed traveling, especially with Raymond, and was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinal fan. The two loved to go to Spring Training in Florida and to Gatlinburg, TN in the fall to see the changing leaves and eat at the Pancake Pantry. Being an avid reader and desiring to keep abreast of regional and world events, she subscribed to three newspapers in the area. She read them cover to cover daily and delighted in sharing articles from them with her friends and family. When just relaxing, she enjoyed watching television, with her favorite channel being HGTV (Home & Garden Television.)
She was a 60 plus year member of First Baptist Church of Marion and was quite active in various areas of involvement and service to the church.
Her faith and family were the most important parts of Berniece's life. She was extremely proud of her kids and enjoyed hearing about all the activities going on in their families' lives. She so looked forward to their many celebrations and gatherings. She had a beloved group of lifelong friends with whom she shared numerous milestones and experiences. The precious memories created will now be cherished by all those she leaves behind.
She is survived by three sons, Jeff McCormick (Dena) of Marion, IL, Michael McCormick (Nancy) of Sumter, SC, and Scott McCormick (Vicki) of St. Peters, MO; two daughters, Dana Mucci (Mark) of Huntsville, AL, and Kathleen Henderson (Jack) of River Falls, WI; ten grandchildren, Duncan McCormick, Connor McCormick, Juliana Mucci, Jackson Mucci, Ian McCormick, Kristin Morgan (Kevin), Ben Morgan (Amber), Patty Mitchell, Matt Pankey (Kelly) and Michele Spiller (Eddie); six great grandchildren, Ander Mitchell, Abigail Morgan, Lucas Morgan, Madelyn Pankey, Gabriela Mitchell, and Braxton Hilton; grand daughter-in-law, Sara Mitchell; son-in-law, Darwin Mitchell (Debbi) of Paducah, KY; three sisters-in-law, Helen Ohms of Marion, IL, Phyllis Gray of St. Louis, MO, and Dorothy Gray of Seattle, WA, as well as other extended family and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; daughter, Tammy Mitchell; grandson, Clark Mitchell; sister, Delores Rausch and three brothers, Jack Gray, Willard Gray and Gerald Gray.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at First Baptist Church, located at 401 West Union Street in Marion, on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Following the visitation, the Memorial Service will be at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Bob Dickerson presiding.
Inurnment will be private in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion, IL.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the "First Baptist Church of Marion, IL." Contribution envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.