BERNICE HARRIS MUNIZ HOLLIDAY

1936 – 2025

Mrs. Bernice went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Bernice was born on May 15, 1936, in Doyline, Louisiana to the late Will and Rosie Harris.

She was the 7th of seventeen children. Bernice attended school in the Webster Parish District of Louisiana. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at St.

Mark Baptist Church where she was a faithful member.

Bernice married the late Tommy Lee Holliday in January 1982 this was a joyous union of marriage for twenty-two years until his death (1982-2004).

Those that preceded her in death were husband, Tommy Lee Holliday; her eldest son, Paul Muniz; sisters, Dorothy Doss, Ineal Harris, Louvonia Abrams, Willa Owens, Beatrice Parish, Adell Woods, Margaret Turner, and Martha Harris; brothers, John David Harris (J.D.), Leon Harris, Lloyd Harris, Agustus, Cleo, and Leo Harris. Bernice was also preceded in death by her first husband, Edison Muniz, with whom she shared seven children Judy Muniz Roquemore, Paul Muniz, Etta Jane Spivey (David), Donald Edward Muniz (Rena), Ronald Edison Muniz, James Otto Muniz (Megan), and George Edison Muniz (Breanna).

Bernice moved to Madisonville in 1957. She was a dedicated wife, mother and community worker. She worked forty years for Madison County Hospital (St.

Joseph) and worked several second jobs supporting her family. She joined Shiloh Baptist church during her early move to Madisonville where she served many years as a choir member and choir president; Bernice was an outstanding soloist and song leader. She was a faithful member of Shiloh until her death.

Bernice was ver y well known for her good cooking and perfect cakes. She was loved and respected by her community and was considered a second mother by her children’s friends. Most called her “Mama Bernice”.

Her home was their home.

Another accomplishment was her sphere heading the organizing of the local Madison County Juneteenth Organization.

She and her friends along with other community leaders and teachers were responsible for securing the purchase of thirteen acres of land and building the county’s Juneteenth Center.

Bernice is survived by two brothers Jhon Albert Harris of Doyline, LA and Floyd Harris (Yolanda) of Hercules, CA. Also, to cherish her memory are her six children, two special nephews, Autrey (Fuzzy) Harris (Judy) of Madisonville, Texas and Dan Harris (Betty) of Oakland, California along with twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. She also leaves a host of relatives and friends.

Final arrangements are entrusted to All Families Mortuary of Hearne, Texas.

The Services and repass for Mrs. Holliday will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church of Madisonville 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.

There will be a viewing at the church at 12:00 p.m. The interment will take place at West End Memorial Cemetery of Madisonville, Texas.