Bernice (Bea) Banita Wardlaw, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and lifelong friend to many, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, a month shy of her 98th birthday. She was a pillar of strength and love, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

Bernice was born in Denton, Texas and lived there her entire life. She grew up with a spirit of determination and a love for learning. She attended a country school nearby, where her sharp intellect shone- earning her a rare double promotion during her early school years. It was also there she met her childhood sweetheart, Bob, whom she would later marry, beginning a 76 year lifelong partnership built on love, laughter, and mutual respect. He affectionately called her Queen Bea!

Together Bernice and her husband raised four children, whom she cherished deeply. Her warmth, resilience, and quiet strength lives on in her family, which grew to include 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy. She was the center of every family gathering, her stories and wisdom shaping generations.

Known for her quiet strength, unwavering love, and sharp card-playing skills, Bernice's life was one of deep roots and wide-reaching influence. Whether through a kind word, a shared memory, or the example of a life well-lived, she touched everyone she met. For decades, she rose before dawn to prepare breakfast and lunches for her husband before he left for work at 5:30 am-a simple yet profound act of love that defined her selfless nature.

Beyond being an accomplished business person, she was a woman of many talents and passions. Her beautiful handwriting-a lost art she mastered with elegance- was a reflection of her attention to detail. A gifted seamstress, she wove threads of love and patience into everything she touched. She took pride in her culinary skills and her recipes will be treasured for generations. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and laughter and home cooked meals. Despite her fear of water, she towed her family water skiing at Lake Murray for hours on end. Demonstrating her sense of adventure, she moved from her comfortable family and surroundings at the age of 60 to live in Turkey for a year with her husband, embracing the unknown.

Bernice was a member of First Baptist Church of Denton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob. They are dancing in heaven together now! She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery, where Bea and Bob's families were laid to rest.