Thresa Bernice Harris

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Waters Funeral Chapel, 500 S. Main Street in Vandalia, Missouri 63382.
Officiating will be: Bro. Randall Kristofferson.
Music provided by: Shirley Forgy - pianist; Glen & Carolyn Bailey - duet.
Interment will be in the Curryville Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Brian Branstetter, Austin Branstetter, Randy Breneman, Lucas Breneman, Patrick Talbott and Tim Hodges.

Thresa Bernice (Sanderson) Harris passed away at 6:35 a.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the Hannibal Regional Hospital. Bernice was a 1941 graduate of Vandalia High School and attended business school in St. Louis. Upon graduation, she worked for the FBI in Washington, DC; then as a teller at the Community State Bank in Bowling Green; in the office at Harbison Walker Refractories and finally as bookkeeper for the Van-Far Ambulance District. Bernice was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Vandalia and a member of the Eastern Star. She worked at the polls in Vandalia on election day, enjoyed cooking and collecting Precious Moments figurines. Bernice was a very kind and giving person, always putting everyone first before herself. She was a great mother, grandmother and good friend. Bernice was always there to help family when needed.

Born: November 30, 1923 in rural Louisville, Missouri the daughter of Jessie Porter and Lillian Gertrude (Reese) Sanderson Sr.

Married: Edwin G. Harris on March 7, 1948 in Vandalia; he preceded her in death on August 4, 2004.

Survivors include: two sons: Robert and wife, Judy Harris of Greenwood, Mississippi; Richard and wife, Pam Harris of Vandalia, Missouri; one daughter, Deborah and husband, Monty Branstetter of Dyersville, Iowa; one sister, Dorris Breneman of Mexico, Missouri; two grandchildren: Brian Branstetter of Marion, Iowa and Sherry Wilson of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; four great-grandchildren: Britney Branstetter, Austin Branstetter, Brayden Branstetter and Harley Wilson; also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: parents; husband Edwin; two brothers: Jesse Sanderson and Dale Sanderson; one grandson, Brock Branstetter.

Memorials are encouraged to the First Baptist Church in Vandalia.