Bernice began her life journey on the 25^th day of May 1932, in Kildare, Texas.  She entered into her heavenly mansion on December 14, 2014 in Richland, Washington.  She was the fourth of seven children of Reverend David and Rilland Pellum Castleberry.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: David V. Castleberry and Leo Castleberry; and sisters: Robbie Lee Castleberry Little (Arthur) and Louise Castleberry Dixon.

Bernice was joined in marriage to C.J. Mitchell, Jr. on June 3, 1950.

After raising six children as a homemaker, Bernice worked for Westinghouse Hanford Company at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington State from 1968 – 1988, primarily as an administrative assistant to managers on the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) north of Richland.  In 1988, Bernice was diagnosed with memory issues resulting in her retirement from the paid workforce.  Bernice then devoted her time and energy to community service and assisting the City of Richland on community member councils and groups that aided in raising support and funding for the current Richland Police Facility and Richland Community Center, two of her favorite and most satisfying projects.

Bernice leaves to cherish her wonderful memory, the love of her life, husband C.J. Mitchell, Jr.; sisters: Dessie Mae Castleberry Bass, Los Angeles, CA and  Margerine Castleberry Spratt, Detroit, MI; sister-in-law Emma Ruth Mitchell Peoples, Richland, WA; brother-in-law Richard Lynn Mitchell (Ruth Randall), Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Vanessa Bernetta Mitchell Moore (Leonard), Pasco, WA; sons: David Lynn “Duke” Mitchell (Janet), Richland, WA, Gregory Mitchell, Richland, WA, Nestor Rodriquez Mitchell (Bernice), Tacoma, WA, Cameron Mitchell (Kris), Richland, WA and Robin Jay Mitchell, Richland, WA; 13 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank Guardian Angel Homes, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Hospice At The Chaplaincy, extended family members, friends, and many others in the Tri-Cities Community, and beyond, for the love, care, encouragement and support of our wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, December 20, 2014, at Events at Sunset; 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, WA 99352. No public viewing will be held.