Bernice Betty Anthony, 91, beloved wife of the late Jacob Albert Anthony Jr., died peacefully after a brief illness, Thursday, October 10th, 2019 while at Gulfside Regional Hospice.
Bernice was born in Allentown, PA, on October 6, 1928. She was raised by two loving parents, Minerva V. Boger and Raymond M. Myers. After attending Allentown High School, she married Jacob A. Anthony Jr. on April 13, 1946. They lived a brief time in Allentown and then moved to Catasauqua, PA to settle down and start a family where they remained for over 30 years and raised two daughters Sharon and Linda and a son, Jacob.
Bernice was a homemaker and as the children got older worked for Fab-Knit Mills, located in Allentown, PA. She was a loving and caring mother whose family was always her first priority. She loved to cook and bake and was always busy in the kitchen. She had lots of family favorite recipes that were passed down for all to enjoy. Also, for many years, Bernice, along with her husband Jacob, enjoyed delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. They loved the mountains of Pennsylvania and eventually retired in the Poconos. Later she and Jacob moved to sunny Zephyrhills, FL where they enjoyed their remaining years.
Bernice was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel. As her mobility declined, she was not able to attend but she faithfully watched the service online. Additionally, she was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Rose Croix Chapter 235 in Catasauqua PA, for over 60 years.
Bernice was preceded in death by her mother Minerva Meyers and beloved stepfather Raymond Meyers, her husband Jacob of 69 years and grandson Jason Andrews.
She is survived by her son Jacob Anthony, III (Betsy) of Aiken, SC, daughters Sharon Skvoretz of Columbia, SC and Linda Talaber of Wesley Chapel , FL. Grandchildren: Eric, Edward, Anissa (Marco), Joanna (Dan), Erika, Jonathan (Misty), Christopher (Laura), and Matthew (Kristen). 19 Great-grandchildren: Amanda, AJ, Emily, Owen, Patrick, Quinlin, Hunter Tyler, Liam, Maya, Colin, Craig, Megan, Nate, Sydney, Asher, Hanna, Ethan, Lily and 1 great great-grandchild, Brandon.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 10th, at 3PM at Atonement Lutheran Church 29617 SR54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Capital Fund at Atonement Lutheran Church.
[reblogged from the web page of Hodges Funeral Home.]