Bernice Fay Venable

Bernice Fay Venable, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Cremation has taken place, and the family will gather for a private memorial at a later date.

Bernice was born on February 25, 1938, in Albion, Oklahoma, to Obadire and Roma McDaniel. She moved with her family to Carlsbad, New Mexico as a child. One of her favorite stories to share from that time was how she made the journey sitting on a pig (butchered and canned), Ol’ Susie, — a memory that perfectly captured her humor and love of storytelling.

Bernice attended Carlsbad Schools and graduated in 1956. She married Joe Bright in 1956, and together they welcomed two daughters, Catherine Shelton and Janet (Hankins) Shelts. Bernice later moved to Lubbock, Texas, where she eventually married Travis Venable, with whom she shared many years of companionship.

Bernice was a devoted member of the Church of Christ and had a deep love for singing hymns. Throughout her life, she held many different jobs, always willing to work hard and care for others. She was a skilled homemaker and enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, and crafting. She worked in retail, bookkeeping, and provided childcare for many families. She and her husband, Travis, ran a weekend booth at the flea market in Lubbock where they sold musical instruments, jewelry, and pretty home décor.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Christine Potts, Carol McGee, and Delbert and Leon McDaniel; and her husband, Travis Venable.

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Catherine Shelton and Janet Shelts (Rick); her stepchildren, Keith, Kenny, Kim, and Kristy; Grandchildren, Dana Lester (Eric), Vicki Shelton, Jessi Berger (John), and Jenni Kelly (Patrick); and Great-grandchildren, Taryn Henderson (Kevin), Aidan Lester, Lauren Lester, Gavin Berger, and Garrison Berger.

Bernice will be remembered for her strong faith, her hardworking spirit, and the stories she shared that brought laughter to those around her.