Bernice (Bernie) Corley

Lexington, SC-Funeral services for Bernice (Bernie) Ruth Meetze Corley, 77, will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2020, at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Lexington Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be made to save the life of an abused, neglected, or abandoned fur-baby at PAWMETTO LIFELINE, 125 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212.

  Bernie, as she was affectionately known, was born in Lexington on August 28, 1942, to Henry Jake Meetze and Annie Lou Shumpert Meetze.  She is predeceased by her loving husband, Wallace Reed (Reedy) Corley. 

  Simply stated, “She fought a good fight.”  Her faith, courage, and determination helped her to press through sickness and disease-day after day-for 1 year and 6 months.  However, she became tired; she and her family -with the help of so many individuals-could do no more, and with that, Christ Jesus welcomed her home with her last eternal breath, and His arms embraced her lovingly where she eternally will rest from her pain and labors.

  Bernie will be remembered for her many talents and the immense love she had for her family and friends.  Her family was her breath and heartbeat, and she lived each day with love that she desired to share and her selfless acts she wished to grant. Many were blessed over time, as she touched many lives.  She gave when she had nothing to give and never expected anything in return except a simple “thank you,” a smile, a laugh, or a memory to share.  She spent many days reliving the preciousness of memories with her dearest and best friend, Tecey, who spent day after day by her side during her sickness.  The “things” that mattered most were the little things money could not buy-a chat on her porch with her children, grands, or friends; a ride about town, a meal she would insist to purchase with the invite to many to join her at a table, or simple “lap time” with her red-hair Main Coon, Marbles.   These were just a few sources of great happiness and comfort for her-as well as quiet time with her Lord-or the hope of a visit by family or friends. 

Bernie spent many years with pain and sickness, but she pushed through in faith and the promise of His healing power; however, as for all, we must blow out the candle and fade into the faith and hope that we will be reunited in spirit and truth—again.  She will no longer be with us to laugh, to cry, to hope, and to comfort, but she is now with those who greeted her so lovingly and waited many years to welcome her Home—her loving husband, her Grandson Jeremy, her mom and dad, siblings, and friends.  Her absence is painful, but memories are bliss. Her wit, charm, humor, feistiness, compassion, faith, and love were her life components, and those of us who took the time to spend just a moment with her were blessed by her gifts and will have the memories to carry us through. 

  Surviving are daughter, Kimberly (Edward) Rivers; son, Harry Reed Corley (Stacie); daughter, Lynda Price (Tara, Lance, Roxie, Chandler, Carson, and Collin);  her dear grandchildren, Caleb, Jacob, Jeremy (deceased), Joshua, Kylie, Bailey, and Braden; sister, Sara Meetze Lindler (Bill) (Donna and Randy Pollard; Matt; RJ; Russell; Nicole); nephews, Steve Caughman, and Stan Lindler (deceased);  former daughter-in-law, Cherie Whitehead Corley; nieces, Melissa O (Nicole, April, Kameron, Khloe) and Laurie B., Dot Wille, and P. Ann Hodges-and many living, and deceased family members. 

  The family wishes to thank loving and best friend Tecey (Toose) Bradshaw Johnson (Gary) for EVERYTHING YOU DID for her,  as well as the loving care and attention given by Rhonda Coleman, Dawn, and Cheryl during this journey.  The family wishes to thank Ms. Margie Carter for the calls and time given to carry her to doctor appointments or a dish brought to her. The family forever will be grateful for the love and care the staff gave at NHC, LEXINGTON PLACE, WELLMORE, and LMC.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Stanley Juk, cardiologist, whom she loved and adored, for his many years of care and compassion, as well as Ken Knudsen, family friend and advocate for her. 

  Bernie served her family, church and community well-participating in many town events, serving on many boards, leading many prayer meetings, singing in many festivities and choirs, working diligently at her jobs, and starting the first Lexington Town Carolighting service in the 1970s (now known as Snowball Festival). 

  Until we all meet again, may you know the love she had for you, the time she enjoyed with you, the time she desired to be with you.         

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