Alexanderia “Berniece” Schwartz Brown, a long time resident of Cushing, passed gently away on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at the Grace Living Center of Edmond at the age of 91 years.

The daughter of Alexander and Cora Lee Harris Schwartz, Berniece was born July 13, 1919.

Berniece was raised and educated in Cushing and graduated from CHS in the class of 1937. She attended Piano College in St. Louis, Missouri, where she was certified to teach elementary music.

In November 1938 she was joined in marriage to William “Bill” Alfred Brown. Out of this union of 61 years, there was one child.

For over 40 years Berniece assisted Bill with running Brown Candy and Notion Company and a wholesale Fireworks business before retiring to their home on the farm.

Berniece was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Cushing and for years enjoyed playing the piano for the Wesley Class. She also enjoyed playing bridge and serving on the election board.

Berniece was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Bill.

She is survived by her sister, Coeta Grace Reynolds of Orlando, Florida; her daughter, Bonnie Wells and husband Chris of Edmond; her grandson, Alex Page of Oklahoma City; her granddaughter, Amber Page and fiancé, Joe Gillikin; her great-grandson, Rylan Gillikin of Edmond; her nephew, Charles Seal and wife Joy of Orlando, Florida and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services for the family will be held at Flynn Cemetery on Tuesday, December 7, 2010.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Berniece through a memorial donation to the First United Methodist Church of Cushing.