Bernice passed away peacefully at her home in Galveston on July 13, 2026.

She was born and raised in Holman, Texas. Upon graduating from high school, she joined her two older sisters in Galveston and found work at American National Insurance Company. It was there that she met Bill McCollum who became her husband of 65 years.

Not long after arriving in Galveston, Bernice was welcomed into a group of young Galveston women who’d formed a sorority, Theta Delta Beta. The TDBs became and remained her dearest, lifelong friends. 

Bernice served many years as CEO of all things Bill and a much-needed Sergeant at Arms for their daughters! All kidding aside, Bernice was a wonderful wife and mother. She was a faithful Catholic and a longtime member of Holy Family Parish. 

Bernice was predeceased by her husband Bill, three sisters and one brother. Immediate survivors are daughters Melisa Micheletti and Myra McCollum. Bernice was blessed to have excellent caregivers who loved her dearly; the most recent being Tonya Nickerson, Martha Gonzalez and Tina Ingram.

A private memorial service was held on July 20 at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home.