Obituary of Bernice K. Wiley

Bernice K. Wiley, 81, of Freehold Township passed away on Sunday, April 14^th at the Serenity Hospice Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. She was born in Bushnell Illinois and had lived in Merced California, Nicholasville Kentucky, Clintonville Ohio, and Tucker Georgia before moving to Freehold 49 years ago. Bernice met her husband, Ron, while he was serving in the United States Air Force alongside her brother, Bernard. Their love story began on a train ride home, where Bernard insisted that Ron meet his family, including his sister Bernice. From that moment on, Bernice and Ron were inseparable. They married after only a year and a half of being together, spending just 13 days together before being married. Despite the distance, they wrote love letters back and forth and remained devoted to each other for 62 years. She was a remarkable woman who accomplished many things in her lifetime. Bernice was known for her incredible skill at golf, having achieved the impressive feat of hitting three holes in one. She was also a talented seamstress, known for her beautiful sewing projects and her love of caring for her African violets. Bernice had a green thumb and took great pride in her gardening skills, always tending to her plants with care and dedication. One of the highlights of Bernice's life was being a member of the Colts Neck Community church, where she found comfort and fellowship. She was also known for her love of sudoku puzzles, spending hours challenging herself and sharpening her mind. Bernice was a loving and supportive mother who encouraged her son Ronny and his band to practice in her basement for years, showing her commitment to nurturing their passions and talents. She was a twin to her brother, Bernard Vancil, and she married a twin herself, creating a special bond with her family. She was the proud mother of twin girls, who brought her endless joy and happiness throughout her life.

We are forever grateful to Serenity Hospice, because of the care she received she rested comfortably surrounded by the love and tender care of her husband and family, and by a circle of special caregivers who added much to the quality of her days.

Bernice is predeceased by her parents, Jessie, and Lois Vancil; three brothers, Lloyd Vancil, Raymond Neal Vancil and James Vancil and sister, Martha Cooley. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Ronald Wiley of Freehold, three children, Janene Wiley of Jackson, Jolene Wiley of Jackson and Ronald Wiley and his wife, Lorraine of Freehold; three grandchildren, Sierra Kelman and her husband, Geoff, Liam Wiley and Reese Wiley; two brothers, Bernard (Bud) Vancil and his wife, Katie of North Carolina and Kenneth Vancil and his wife, Rosetta of Illinois.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:30 PM with her funeral service to follow. Interment will be private. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.