FAYETTEVILLE — Bernice G. Harner,

age 94, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.

She was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Clinton, Ark., to Lawrence and Adelaide (Evans) House.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. David Harner; brothers Leo and Bill House; and sisters Marie Wilson, Virgie Davenport and Elizabeth Ashworth.

Bernice was an owner and the manager of Dickson Street Liquor Store for more than 30 years. She impacted many lives in the decades that she was a part of the Dickson Street district and Fayetteville community.

She spent her early retirement years preparing and serving meals to those in need through an outreach program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. She was a lifelong collector of fine antiques and art, and an avid gardener who was known for the beautiful flowers she grew.

As a young girl during World War II she traveled with her family from Arkansas to California to find work, and became what is endearingly referred to as a Rosie the Riveter when she became a welder of the Liberty War Ships.

She is survived by daughter Nancy Porter and husband Rickie of Fayetteville; son Tony Latrecchia, who resides in Oklahoma; grandsons Jason Porter and wife Aimee, Jared Porter and wife Nadia and Jacob Porter and wife Megan; great-grandchildren Jason Porter, Jr., Jaxon Porter, Jaron Porter and Paislee Porter, who all loved their Nanny B and she loved them. She had numerous loving nieces and nephews who all adored their Aunt Bernice.

A private family funeral service will be held at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville with interment at Fairview Memorial Gardens. Contributions to the Autism Society of America would be appreciated. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com.