Bernice Nanny Raines (Partin)
Bernice Nanny Raines (Partin), 97, of Texas City, Texas, passed away on October 27, 2024 in Webster, Texas. She was born on August 31, 1927 in Priddy, Texas.
Bernice was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and found strength in her faith. She had a bigger-than-life personality and was always ready to share a story or tell a joke, and loved to pull pranks on people. This was her favorite pastime. She was a strong woman that was unwavering in her determination and perseverance. She lived a long life full of adversity and pain, but always found a way, through music and reading the Bible, to turn sorrow around and continue serving the Lord with all her heart. She was a devoted piano teacher, homemaker, and played piano for churches for 77 years – most recently, two weeks prior to her passing.
Music brought Bernice comfort, and she shared that joy with others. Her home was always filled with song and laughter as she gathered people around the piano to play and sing together. She began her family of music in 1950 with her son Gene Raines and later with her daughter Wanda Raines. She even had an opportunity to teach her husband to play and chord along for the whole family to worship and sing together. She spread her joy and love of music in her family legacy. She served faithfully in several churches as pianist and Sunday school teacher including Heights Baptist, La Marque Baptist Chapel, Adamsville Baptist, Collegeview Baptist, Landmark Missionary Baptist, and Baker Drive Baptist. Many of Bernice’s students took their musical skills beyond the classroom by playing for the Lord and using their talents for His service.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting events at her home. She was so proud of her family and enjoyed good gospel music whenever she could attend.
Bernice Raines was reunited with her loving family who preceded her in death, including her beloved husband William Lawrence Raines, son William Gene Raines and his wife Joyce, and daughter Wanda Raines. She also joined her parents, Charles G. and Sarah Elizabeth Partin, and siblings Dovie Wren (Partin), Floyd Partin, Bea Elkins (Partin), Lee Stahnke (Partin), Jay Partin, Cecil Partin, and Bill Partin. Her legacy lives on through the countless stories she shared, keeping their memories alive.
Bernice is deeply mourned by her surviving family, who cherish the memories of her love. She leaves behind her grandchildren, William Gene Raines Jr., Clarence Matthew Raines, and Caroline Sarah Raines; and great-grandchildren Jackson, Jacob, Gavin, Bryce, Kegan, Kyris, Abigail Raines, Shawn Avery, and Amari Guillory. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will deeply miss her.
The Family will receive friends on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 6-8:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573. A funeral service will follow on Saturday at 10:00am at First Baptist Church – Texas City, 10000 Emmett F Lowry Expressway Suite 2000, Texas City, TX 77591. Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock, Texas.
Some of her favorite scriptures included: Psalm 23, Romans 10:9, and John 3:16.
Bernice’s kindness, strength, and faith will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved her.
One of the most unique and wonderful people I’ve met in my life. Aunt Bernice was the life of any event and loved by all who met her. While we’re going to miss her, we know she’s with George in heaven now and will have some of her famous rolls ready when it’s our turn.. Love always
I didn’t know Bernice personally but knew her through Steve Hamilton. She was a very sweet lady and I enjoyed getting to know her through Steve. My deepest condolences to Steve and Bernices family. Love and prayers sent to all. Hang on to the memories. 🙏❤️
I’ve known Bernice for over 60 years. Her husband George aka bill was my Fathers Brother. As a kid I recalled us traveling to Texas City back in those days most of the traveling was on 2 lane roads as a kid I would ask my mom and dad are we there yet I slept a many hour in the back of a VW bug. Aunt Bernice and Uncle Bill always made me feel good as well as Gene and Wanda. They were always telling me tales of all sorts. I experience a lot of things as I was growing up from hunting Rabbits at night with Bernice’s Brother Cecil in Comanche Texas I rode my first horse there.
They would also come to Georgia to visit Bills family (Raines side of the family it was a Big thing in those days there would be probably 50 or more people there Aunt Bernice would pull out here according and everyone would sing and have dinner on the ground would be there way up in the night sometimes way pass midnight. I would call her on the phone She and I would talk about things when I was young us going to Texas and them coming to Georgia. I will truly Miss Her and Bill Gene and Wanda.
She was an inspirational Christian friend. I’m honored to say that she was one of the best friends I’ve ever had. She had a way with the ivories! She not only left a legacy of faith but of teaching so many the joys of playing the piano, singing, serving our God, and enjoying life to the full. What an incredible woman! I miss her, but what a joy to know that she is rejoicing with Jesus Christ in heaven. Don’t you know that being reunited with family and friends is some kind of wonderful!