Bernice J. Harben

Bernice J. Harben, 87, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday April 18, 2019 at Lanier Place in Cumming following a period of declining health.

Born November 14, 1931 to the late J. Silvey, Sr. and Flara Harben, she lived most of her life in Dawsonville.  Born and raised in Dawson County, Bernice was a graduate of Dawson County High School and North Georgia College.  She taught High School for the Jackson County and Gwinnett County School Systems for 32 years until her retirement.  Following her retirement she worked at the Dawson County Board of Elections and loved to travel the country with her sister.  Bernice was an avid sports fan her entire life, was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville, and was also preceded in death by her sister, Frances H. Thurmond; brother, John S. Harben, Jr.; and a nephew, Russell A. Harben.

Surviving are her nieces and nephews, Lisa T. Lee, Utah, John Silvey Harben, III, Canton, Vance and Barbie Thurmond, Dawsonville, Kathryn Harben and James Wiley, Decatur, Lori Gore, Cumming; sister in law, Myrtle L. Harben, Cumming; and a number of great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday April 23, 2019 at 2 o’clock at the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.  Rev. Stan Lovell will officiate.  Interment will follow in Dawsonville Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite charity.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.