Bernice Marie Howser, 1932-2022

Bernice Marie Howser of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at her residence.

Bernice was born June 26, 1932 in Quincy, Illinois to the late Kenneth and Sadie Sperry; she moved to this area from her hometown 52 years ago. Bernice was an entrepreneur, and an accomplished seamstress. Before coming to this area, she and her husband owned and operated Good Health Egg Company in Illinois and distributed eggs to a number of grocery outlets. After moving to this area, she owned and operated the Sunshine Girls, a cleaning company and later an upholstery company. She was a member of the Lake Wales Church of Christ, enjoyed flower gardening, and played soccer as a young woman. Bernice was a model for a photographer and was one of the first Pinup Girls, she was famous in the military world.

Bernice is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Jack Howser; daughter, April Pierson and husband Wayne of Winter Haven; son, Brian J. Howser of Lake Wales; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales with John Guzzetta officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital (www.stjude.com).