Bernice Simmons Whitten

Bernice Simmons Whitten 105, of Bastrop, Texas passed away on March 16, 2022, in Bastrop, Texas.

Bernice was born in the Watterson community of Bastrop County to James Wallace Simmons and Hattie Lou Eskew Simmons on January 4, 1917. She was delivered by Bastrop’s noted Dr. J. Gordon Bryson.

He rode eleven miles to Watterson from Bastrop on horseback because the roads were too muddy for a buggy or model T. She went to grade school at the one room schoolhouse in Watterson. Bernice’s Great Great Grandfather, Charles Coffin Watterson, founded the Watterson Community in Bastrop County, Texas in the 1850’s. She graduated from Bastrop High School in 1936. After high school she commuted to Austin to attend beauty college and became a licensed beautician. She owned and operated her beauty shop in Bastrop for over 60 years.

She married Bryan Whitten from Elgin, Texas in 1940 at the First United Methodist Church of Bastrop.

They had one son, Bryan Whitten Jr. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a lifetime member of the Bastrop Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a Cub Scout den mother. Bernice was a staunch supporter of the American Cancer Society. She survived several bouts of various forms of cancer. She was an active participant in the Relay for Life event supporting cancer survivors.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening and especially spending time with her grandson.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bryan, and Janean Whitten. Her only grandson, Bryan Whitten, III.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Bryan Whitten Sr. and her parents James Wallace Simmons and Hattie Lou Eskew Simmons.

The family of Bernice Whitten wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Argent Court Assisted Living and for Encompass Health/Hospice (especially nurse Gwen and Chaplain Bruce)

A private graveside service will be held.