A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Greenville, TX, with Pastor Billy Walker officiating. Visitation begins at 2:00 PM before the service.
Born August 28, 1942, in Fort Worth, TX, to Emmett and Verna Esters, Bernice married the love of her life, Elvie Leonard Tipton on October 22, 1960, in her childhood home. His career brought them to Greenville, TX, where they built a loving 61-year marriage until his passing in 2022.
Bernice and Leonard were devoted members of Ridgecrest Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she enjoyed serving in Awana's. They loved travel trailer adventures together. Bernice treasured the joyful years she spent playing with her great-grandchildren. She was a talented seamstress, she delighted in sewing and quilting, attending quilt shows and retreats with friends. She was a licensed water safety instructor and taught swimming for several years. She also dedicated many years to volunteering at the Creative Arts building during the Hunt County Fair.
The family is deeply thankful for the amazing support from Sterling Hospice during Bernice's final weeks.
Bernice is survived by daughters Denise (Mike) Tipton-Gilliland and Laynette (Ron) Hammond; brothers Eugene (Nancy) Esters and Gary (Karla) Esters; granddaughter Kara (Ryan) Everhart, great-grandchildren Anne, Joel, and Nick Gilliland and Kaylie, Reese, and Mason Everhart; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvie Leonard Tipton, and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Bernice's memory with donations to Ridgecrest Baptist Church Student Ministries at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 6801 Wesley Street, Greenville, TX 75402.
Condolences(1)
Janet Kabel
Aiken, SC Monday, January 19, 2026 I am so sorry for your loss. Did Bernice ever live in North Carolina and work for UNCC? I worked with a Bernice Tipton there and have been trying to locate her to let her know that I am still using her banana bread recipe :-) and, to let her know how much I respected her work and still think about her after all these years.Please forgive me if I am not locating the family of "my" Bernice Tipton. Again, I am sorry for your loss-- and sad for me that I did not locate her to thank her in person.
Sincerely,
Janet