Berniece VanFosson

Mary Hazel Berniece (Swofford) VanFosson passed away May 26, 2024. She was born October 3, 1928, to parents Melvin and Hattie (Bonham) Swofford in Stone County near Viola, Missouri.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland VanFosson, her parents, her sister, Pauline Plummer and her husband, Bill, brothers, Darrel Swofford and his wife, Wila Dean, Dewey Swofford and his wife, Yvonne, George Swofford, brothers-in-law, Laurel Charles (Chuck) Peterson, Darrell VanFosson, and Donald VanFosson and his wife, Ruth.

 After graduating from Cassville High School, Berniece went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone company in Springfield, Missouri. She was later transferred to Kansas City where she met her future spouse, Leland VanFosson. They were married on November 16, 1952, and two children were born to this union, Brian and Kathy.

In 1972 they moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri and had a dairy and beef farm. Berniece truly enjoyed the farm life. She loved being out in God’s world and admiring his creations.

Berniece and Leland were members of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Mountain Grove. Berniece relied on her faith to carry her through her life. One of those times was when she was diagnosed and recovered from breast cancer. One of her favorite Bible verses was Micah 6:8 – He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

Berniece’s family, friends, and neighbors meant a great deal to her. She always appreciated all of their support. 

Berniece is survived by her two children, Brian VanFosson and wife Elaine of Springfield, Missouri, Kathy Coughlin and her husband, Bob of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, two grandchildren, Elizabeth VanFosson and Ryan Coughlin, Aunt, Bettie Heatherly, sisters, Lanora Sanders, Wanda Smith and her husband, Jack, Melvadean Peterson, sister-in-law, Willie Swofford, and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Cancer Hospital or donor’s choice.