Bernice P. Nicklas of Dallas, TX, formerly of Butler, PA, joined her beloved husband and her Lord on May 21, 2024, at 106 years old.
Born December 23, 1917, in Adrian, PA, she was the youngest of 12 children born to Chambers L. and Clara Emily (Crissman) Hooks. She married Cassius “Brownie” Nicklas on October 4, 1942, in Kentucky. Her only child, daughter Carolyn Jean, was born in 1948. The family resided in Butler, PA, where she stayed until 2015.
Bernice was a hairdresser, homemaker, avid gardener, creative cook and independent as they come. She was always surrounded by her large extended family, even after her husband’s death, and built an enduring friendship with her neighbor, Isabelle Stephens. Bernice was known for her award-winning flowers and angel food cakes at the farm show, as well as her flair for fashion and accessories. She never made a commitment she didn’t keep. “Strong Women, May we know them, May we be them, May we raise them.” Bernice certainly did!
She is survived by her daughter Carolyn (Tim) Johnson of Dallas, TX, granddaughter Elizabeth (Chris) Madgwick and great grandchildren Teddy and Katharine of Waldo, WI as well as countless loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her husband, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be held in Dallas, TX June 11, at 2 pm, King of Glory Lutheran Church, 6411 LBJ Frwy, Dallas, TX and June 18, at 1:30 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Avenue, Butler, PA.
She will be interred in the mausoleum at Greenlawn Burial Estates.
Memorial donations can be made to Trinity Presbyterian or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Thompson-Miller Funeral Home Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001 were entrusted to assist with her arrangements. All who knew Bernice are encouraged to share memories, upload photos, and read an extended obituary at www.thompson-miller.com.