Bernice Christine Smith Shively

Bernice Christine Smith Shively, aged 69, passed peacefully on 10 March 2015 at her home in Ferrum after a long struggle with illness. Bernice was born on 18 September 1945, the daughter of Kyle and Gertrude Smith of Glade Hill, Virginia. Bernice married the love of her life, James Earl Shively of Ferrum, her husband of 53 years. Together they built the successful Shively and Carter Custom Crafted Cabinet business over a 30 year period. Bernice also enjoyed her time working at the Ferrum Craft Shop. Bernice and James raised their daughter, Carmen, in their family home in Ferrum which they built. Bernice was active as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years. Bernice enjoyed traveling, collecting Route 66 memorabilia as well as Corvettes and antique cars with her husband James. She was an expert planner and organizer helping numerous nieces and friends with weddings, and family events. Bernice was a member of Maple Grove Methodist Church. Bernice was also a life-long student of flower arranging making the arrangements for her church for many years. She was a key contributor of the Church?s booth at the annual Lord?s Acre Sale. She and James were also long-time sponsors of needy children through Children?s Incorporated. Bernice is survived by her husband of 53 years, James E. Shively; her daughter and son-in-law, Colonel and Mrs. Chris and Carmen Goff; her grandchildren Margaret, Jonathan Jr., and Elizabeth Goff; her brothers and sisters-in-law J.R. and Diane Smith, Watson and MaryAnn Smith, and Allen and Patricia Smith; sisters and brothers-in-law Zelma and Monroe Boyd, and Darlene and Mark Hudson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bobby and Marie Shively; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Vicky and Johnny Fox; 12 nephews, and six nieces. She was preceded by her parents, Kyle and Gertrude Smith; sister and brother-in-law Mazel and Wayne Shively; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bunyon and Essie Shively; and nephew Joe Shively. Visitation is on Friday, 13 March 2015 at Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, 14 March 2015 at Flora?s at 11:00 a.m. The service will be followed by a graveside service at Franklin Memorial Park.