Bernice McCoard Sheehan

Bernice McCoard Sheehan, 86, Altus, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the Plantation Village Nursing Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the Olustee Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the Olustee Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. Bernice McCoard was born on December 27, 1928 to David and Edna (Ragsdale) McCoard in Altus, Oklahoma. She graduated from Altus High School in 1948 and married Allen Dean Sheehan on September 24, 1948 in Vernon, Texas. Bernice and Allen lived a short while in Altus where Bernice worked as a telephone operator, then later moved to Olustee where they raised their four children. Bernice was employed by Kellwood Manufacturing Company, being one of the first employees to be hired and remaining with the company until retirement. She was a devout Christian and an active member of the Olustee Church of Christ; even after moving back to Altus in 1991, she still continued to attend church in Olustee. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing gospel songs. Bernice loved life, always putting God first, then family and friends. Bernice was caregiver at heart and often took care of those who needed assistance whether it was driving them to the grocery store or sitting and holding their hands and visiting with them. She especially enjoyed cooking on holidays for the family, gardening and was an excellent seamstress. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 41 years, Allen Dean Sheehan, a brother, David McCoard, granddaughter. Stefanie Jejuan, and two sons-in-law, Eric Chambless and Robert Welch. She is survived by her four children, Rebecca Welch, Bonita Wisenbaker and her husband, Allen, Sheila Chambless and Steven Sheehan; ten grandchildren, Brian Jones, Michelle Coe, Kristi Ford, Eric Chambless, II, Jason Allen, Chesiree Puckett, Heather Verlangieri, and Trena, Leah and Katy Smith; 16 great-grandchildren, Jordan Ramirez, Kara Ford, Kayla Ford, Taylor, Morgan and Avery Jones, Rylee, Makilynn and Keaton Puckett, Eric Courtney Chambless, III, Dakota, Alex and Bradon, Riley, Ty, Valorie, Karrli Chambless, and Addie, Mason and Karter Hasty; a nephew, Trey McCoard; and one niece, Kim McCoard. The Sheehan family will greet friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at the Kincannon Gathering Room. Memorial contributions may be made in Bernice's name to the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Foundation or to the Olustee Cemetery Fund.