Obituary of Bernice Hartness

Bernice Gibby Hartness, 86, widow of Howard Franklin Hartness, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 16, 2021. Mrs. Hartness was born in Franklin County, GA to the late S.T. Gibby and Fannie Lillian Little Gibby. She retired from Richland County School District #2 and was a member of North Trenholm Baptist Church. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #273. She served many years as the mother advisor of the Order of Rainbow for Girls at Denstville Assembly #40. Bernice was a quiet servant. Her true passion was working with special needs children and she gave tirelessly to their care. Surviving are two sons, Josh D’marque and John Hartness and wife Cheryl; a daughter, Karen Chapman and husband Mark; a sister, Doris Messer; and a grandson, Caleb Chapman. She was predeceased by three brothers, Herman Gibby, Cecil Gibby and Bill Gibby; and two sisters, Jewel Buchanan and Louise Brannon. A Celebration of Bernice’s Life will be held at 6 o’clock Monday at Winnsboro First Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Mark Chapman and Dr. Craig Bailey. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to Winnsboro First Baptist Church, 1373 Newberry Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180.