Berniece Ocean Buckingham Harrison passed away February 24, 2017 in Alamosa, Colorado.  Berniece was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana on October 24, 1935 to Lourraine Irene Warren Buckingham and Joseph Thomas Buckingham. Following her high school graduation in 1953, she attended Colorado Women’s College in Denver where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Business. She married William Floyd Harrison in 1956. They moved to South Fork, Colorado in 1964 and raised their 4 children, Randy, Marty, Mary, and Laurice. Berniece eventually returned to school, attending Adams State College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree and was employed by the Del Norte school district for ten years. She and Bill left Colorado for Chama, New Mexico and Prairie City, Oregon but eventually returned to South Fork. They were married for forty-eight years.

Her parents, her husband, and her brother Dwaine “Bucko” Buckingham precede her in death. She is survived by her sister Helen McCourt of Laurel, MT,  brothers William “Cappy” Buckingham (Verna) Richland, WA, , and David Hubenthal (Gwen) Yuma, AZ, sons Randy Harrison (LaDonna) Saratoga, WY, Marty Harrison (Dionne) Yuma, AZ, daughters Mary Lackey (Gene) Yuma, AZ,  and Laurice Butler (Jim) Del Norte, CO,  grandchildren Nicole Inda (Dominic), Jessica Cupo (Craig), Billy Harrison (Brooklyn), Jarred Lackey, Rebecca Lackey, Jake Butler, Cody Harrison, Hannah Lackey, Allison Butler, and Seth Harrison, 2 step-grandchildren Jeff and Matt Wirt, 8 great grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

Berniece enjoyed her flowers at her home at Shaw Creek. She was a gifted seamstress and created many beautiful quilts following her retirement from teaching. She loved being with her family and she and Bill spent several winters in Arizona, getting a break from the Colorado chill. She was known by many to have a tremendous sense of humor and a quick wit.  

A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Chapel in South Fork on March 11, 2017 at 10:00 AM. A reception will be held after the service at the Community Center in South Fork.

Services in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home, 205 S Broadway, Monte Vista, CO.