Shirley Bernice Rymer

Shirley Bernice Rymer, age 85, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on August 16, 2022. Bernice was born on June 27, 1937 to Prady and Zelphie Bowman in the Hendon community of Bledsoe County, Tennessee. After her family relocated to Hixson, Tennessee during her youth, she graduated from Hixson High School. While in high school, Bernice developed a passion for basketball, and playing on the school’s varsity team. Later, she coached a young girls basketball team in Cleveland, Tennessee. In her senior year of high school, she was voted “Most Athletic” and received the Babe Ruth Award as a testament to her love for basketball. After graduating, she married Dale Rymer on June 1, 1956. Happily married for 66 years until her last breath, Dale and Bernice resided together on the farm in Bradley County, Tennessee. Together, the couple created a hospitable home filled with constant love, laughter, and freshly baked meals for family, friends, and farm hands. In addition to cooking her famous recipes, Bernice used her hands to grow gardens, sew and crochet elaborate designs, and give the best hugs. She enthusiastically worked with her children in dairy cattle shows and additional 4-H events within the area. Bernice was a faithful member at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for years while devoting her life to the Lord. She enjoyed teaching in both Sunday school and Bible school for many years. Dale attributes much of his success as a dairy farmer to having such a devoted, steadfast helpmate in his precious Bernice. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Prady and Zelphie Bowman, and her sister Corene Roberson. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sisters Wilma Rylander and Jerline Fugatt. Together, Bernice and Dale welcomed five wonderful children and their spouses, in order of birth: James Rymer (Karen); Paul Rymer (Susan); Mike Rymer (Michelle); Carol Vaughn; and Sam Rymer (Cheryl). Bernice was affectionately known as “Granny” to 14 grandchildren, including Brian, Jason, Heather, Jeremy, Cherie, Adrian, Dylan, Savannah, Analise, Josh, Tyler, Britt, Victoria, and Joseph. She was also a great-grandmother to 15. A true Proverbs 31 woman, Bernice truly embodied this verse, which reads as follows: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” Our lives are forever impacted by Granny Bernice and her heart of love. We look with earnest expectation to our reunion with her in heaven. A Remembrance of Life Service will be held Saturday August 20th at 3pm at Mt Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Brooks and Rev. Steve Huff officiating. The interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 5 until 8pm at Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel and also Saturday from 2pm until service time at 3pm at the church.Read Obituary