Julia "Bernice" (Belcher) Parsons

Julia “Bernice” (Belcher) Parsons, 82, formerly of Greenfield, passed peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield.

She was born on December 22, 1943, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, the daughter of Elmer and Dorothy (Harlan) Belcher. On December 30, 1961, she was joined in marriage to Boyd Parsons, and he preceded her in death on December 23, 2022.

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Rissa Herndon and husband, Gary, of New Palestine, and Tammy York and husband, Bill, of Acton; brother, Frank Belcher and wife, Janice, of Greenfield; grandchildren, Melissa Gipson and husband, Mike, Jennifer Pyrcioch and husband, Jake, Jonathan Schiewer and wife, Chelsea, and Julianne Dale and husband, Jacob; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Webb of Celina, Tennessee; lifelong friend, Carol Billingsley of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Boyd, Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; son, Patrick Bruce Parsons; and sisters, Betty Smith and Beatrice Hale.

She loved her dogs and was preceded by Beau, Reggie and Ike. Bernice is survived by her dog, Copper.

Bernice, as she was known by, grew up on a dairy farm. She had many fond memories of her childhood.

She had formerly worked at the Bank of Celina in Celina and American Fletcher National Bank in Indianapolis.

In 1961, Bernice graduated from Tompkinsville High School.

She enjoyed playing a “good game of cards” whether it be Poker, Euchre or Rummy.

Bernice also loved quilting.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, CST Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Upton-Hay Funeral Home, 307 W. Lake Avenue, Celina, Tennessee. Funeral services will follow at 1 pm, with her son-in-law, Gary Herndon officiating.

Interment will be at New Hope Cemetery in Celina.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared with Bernice’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.