Helen Osburn

Helen Berniece Osburn passed away December 5th, 2014, 8:00 am at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, MO, surrounded by her children. Born April 18, 1924 in Maple, Oklahoma to Lester T. and Edna Mae Wallace, Berniece was 90 years of age. She was preceded by her husband of 64 years, William Fred Osburn, who was 83 when he died in 2004. To say she will be missed by many would be an understatement. She carried herself throughout her life with dignity, humor, grace and kindness and passed these and other qualities on to others through example and by birthright: she is survived by her five children, Freda Schroeder (Phillip), Freddie Wise (Guinotte), Elouise Pippenger, Darlene Peterson (Craig), and Daryl Osburn. 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many much-loved nieces and nephews. The oldest of ten children, Berniece is survived by her brother Lester T. Wallace, Jr (U.V.), and her sisters, Millie Seratt, and Joann Thompson (Gordon). She is preceded in death by six of her brothers, Wayne Wallace (Hazel), Herbert Wallace, Harold Wallace (Claris), Dale Wallace (Janet), Sanford Wallace (Wanda), and Bobby Wallace (Barbara). As the eldest, Berniece looked after her siblings and communicated with them at least weekly later in life. Family reunions were large and spirited, but sickness, births and anniversaries also found Berniece and family traveling thousands of miles over the years. She adored family and never allowed distance to be a deterrent to being with them. Her holiday gatherings at the home were legendary, and she wouldn't rest for fear someone might go without or be underserved. Her career path was inventive, especially for her era, encompassing being an electrician and member of IBEW with Westinghouse for 33 years, then, when most would welcome retirement, she became an assistant manager of Car's The Star retail store in Crown Center from 1988 to 2006. Berniece was 82 when fully retired, but continued to volunteer for, and support, March of Dimes programs. It can truly be said of Berniece Osburn, she made the world a better place. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2014 at Carson-Speaks Chapel; 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery. The family requests donations to The Shriners Children’s Hospital, The Kansas City March of Dimes, and Downs Syndrome Guild of Kansas City. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)