Bernice Essick Rierson Obituary (1928 - 2023)

MADISON - Bernice Essick Rierson, 94, left this earthly life on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. A graveside service will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the Comer's Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend C.J. Keister and Will Hopper officiating. Friends and family may sign a register and pay their respects from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday at Colonial Funeral Home in Madison. The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Wanda Collins. Mrs. Rierson was born on February 7, 1928 in Guilford County to the late Eli Essick and Ida Burgess Essick. She retired from Gem-Dandy with thirty years of service and was a lifelong member of Comer's Chapel Baptist Church, where she stayed active until her health declined. Bernice enjoyed being outside and will be remembered for deeply loving her family and church family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Rierson; grandson, Doug Snider; son-in-law, Bob Powers; daughter-in-law, Ann Rierson; one brother and four sisters. Survivors include her children, Brenda Snider, Wanda Collins (Ray Carter), Jerry Rierson and Lynne Powers (Barry); grandchildren, Buddy Rierson (Misti), Brian Snider, Chris Williams, Claire Edlin (Cotton), Alexander Powers and Jana Snider; eight great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Rierson and numerous extended family members. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Comer's Chapel Baptist Church, 1990 Bald Hill Loop, Madison, NC 27025 and/or Hopsice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375. The family wishes to thank the staff of Jacob's Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation for their loving and attentive care. Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.colonialfh.net