Berniece M. Emerson, 89 of Corson formerly of Flandreau, SD died Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the Helping Hand Assisted Living in Brandon, SD. Berniece Mae Emerson was born on July 20, 1919 in Brookings County, SD to Burnette and Essie (Hay) Scofield. She attended school in rural Brookings and Moody County. Berniece worked as a housekeeper for several people in the Flandreau area when she was attending school. She worked as a waitress at the Flandreau Cafe. On October 14, 1939 Berniece married Stanley M. Emerson in Rock Rapids, IA. In 1958 they moved to the Brandon and Corson area where she worked as a waitress and cook at the Corson Cafe. Stanley preceded her in death on January 8, 1990. Berniece entered the Helping Hand Assisted Living in Brandon on May 1, 2008. She enjoyed her flowers and gardening.

Berniece is survived by 3 sons, Darrell (Linda), Arvada, CO, James, Checotah, OK, Gordon (Christie), Arvada, CO; 2 daughters, Kathryn Emerson, Brandon, Norene, Brandon; 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; parents; son, Robert S. Emerson; grandson, Matthew T. Emerson; 2 brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Thursday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau with burial at Hillside Cemetery, Egan, SD. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm on Wednesday at Skroch Funeral Chapel with family present from 5-7 pm.