Bernice Wilcox

Bernice Wilcox, 91, of Little Rock, passed away May 28, 2014 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Little Rock. Born at Grubbs to Lee and Louie Smithee on March 23, 1923, she spent her life as a dedicated pastor's wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She and James Wilcox of Bald Knob married September 17, 1944. They enjoyed 60 years in the ministry, serving Missionary Baptist Churches throughout Arkansas and northern Louisiana including two churches in northeast Arkansas, Oak Grove Baptist in the Valley View Community and Bethany Baptist in Jonesboro. James passed away in 2006. Bernice was a wonderful cook and a very gracious hostess to the many who passed through their home and pastorates. At the time of her death, she was a member of Temple Baptist in Little Rock. Survivors include three sons, Harold (Brenda) Wilcox of Jonesboro, Carroll (Cheryl) Wilcox and Tim (Kathy) Wilcox both of Little Rock; six grandsons, Lance Wilcox and Todd Wilcox, both of Jonesboro, James Wilcox of Kingswood, Texas, Adam Wilcox and Brian Wilcox, both of West Monroe, Louisiana, and Chris Wilcox of Cabot; and two step-granddaughters, Lindsay Hart of Benton and Courtenay McClellan of Bauxite; and 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are one sister, Helen Smithee and one brother, Junior Smithee, both of Batesville. She was preceded in death by two brothers, B.W. Smithee and Talmadge Smithee, and one sister, Maurine Porter. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, June 1 at 4 p.m. at Shady Grove Cemetery in Bald Knob, officiated by Jerry Kidd, Pastor of Temple Baptist in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please consider Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Wilcox's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.