Bernice June McGee

Bernice June Shamblin, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, at the age of 99. Bernice was born on June 3, 1927, in Duncanville, Texas, to the late Francis Fisher and Frankie Lou McGee. Her life was a testament to love, service, and dedication to family and community. Bernice married the love of her life, James Edwin Shamblin, on August 23, 1946. Together, they shared a remarkable journey of 66 and a half years until James's passing. Their marriage was a cornerstone for their family, providing a foundation of love and stability. A dedicated educator, Bernice spent her early career as a kindergarten teacher in Irving, Texas. Her nurturing spirit and ability to make everyone feel welcome left an indelible mark on her students and colleagues. After retirement, Bernice, James, and their youngest daughter moved back to Bagwell, Texas, where she continued to touch lives by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Leesville Baptist Church. Bernice was also an active member of the Red River Extension Homemakers Organization, where she quickly took on a leadership role. In her later years, after moving to Paris, Texas, Bernice became a cherished member of the Providence Baptist Church community. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and she found great joy in serving her church and her God. Bernice had a profound love for gardening, growing fruits and vegetables, and was skilled in canning her own food. Her creativity shone through in her arts and crafts, and she found solace in working on puzzle books in her later years. Her warmth and kindness were evident to all who knew her, as she had a unique gift for making people feel welcome and was always ready to lend a helping hand. She is predeceased by her husband, James Edwin Shamblin, her parents, three sisters Frankie Parker, Lola Ahlstedt, Lorita Winters, and a brother, Vernon McGee. Bernice's memory will be cherished by her surviving family: her daughters, Ellen and husband Eddie, and Cora Shamblin; her grandchildren, Jeff and wife April, and Kristy and husband David; and her grandchildren, Vanessa and husband Jace, Kaleigh and fiancé Peyton, and her great-great grandson, Elliot. She is also survived by her sister, Delores, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as close friends Bill Barton, Danny Barton and wife Donna, and Polly Barton. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers from Red River HomeCare for their compassionate support, especially Ms. Winnie Hobbs, whose dedication and care in Bernice's final years were deeply appreciated. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.