Berna Dene Smith, 93, of Clinton, Missouri, passed away on September 29, 2026 at Adair Village, Clinton, Missouri.
She was born on February 21, 1933, at Halfway, Missouri, to Orvil and Bertie Moffitt. In 1942 her family moved from Halfway, Missouri to Deepwater, Missouri. Her dad was a lifelong farmer.
Berna Dene graduated from Deepwater High School in 1950. She was salutatorian in her class. She attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri afterwards. On Sunday August 22,1954, the Lord saved Berna Dene's soul during an alter service at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. The pastor and church members gathered around and prayed for her. Afterwards, she stood up and gave her testimony of salvation. Berna Dene joined New Hope Baptist Church that day. She was baptized the following Sunday by the Reverend Hugh Sperry in a lake.
Berna Dene was united in marriage on December 22, 1957, to Mitchell Lee Smith at New Hope Baptist Church. To this union were two children, Dixie (Smith) Green and Barry Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband Mitchell, her parents and sister Janice Entrop. She is survived by her daughter Dixie and husband Mickie Green, granddaughter Tiffany Green, and son Barry, her sister Jeanne Fantz and brother-in-law Harold Entrop also many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Berna Dene worked at Walker Ford Motor Company after high school for several years. She also worked at Mills Insurance Company. She spent most of her working years in banking. During this time, she worked as a teller and a secretary in the loan department also. She retired from First National Bank on April 15,1999.
Berna Dene enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and sewing, playing the piano at home and church. She was lifelong member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and attended faithfully until her health no longer permitted.
Berna Dene was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was always there when you needed her, with her love and laughter to help get you through your day. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends!!!
The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at GVMH, Adair Village and Novus Life Care for helping take care of our mother. Also, all the family, friends and church members for their prayers and concerns for our mom.
Funeral services were held October 3, 2026 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Rev. Barry McCoy officiating. Special music included "Thank You Momma for Praying for Me, Jesus Paid It All and Amazing Grace." The casket bearers were Clyde Pugh, Chris Modlin, Doug James, Randy Charles and Lonnie Gregory. Interment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.
Services were under the direction of Vanant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.
