Bernice Irene Lambert of Arkoma, Oklahoma was born September 21, 1936 in Centerville, Iowa to Michele Cuzmo and Frances Elizabeth (Foster) Columbus and passed away January 22, 2025 in Arkoma, Oklahoma at the age of 88.

Bernice is survived by:

One daughter:

Kathleen Hamma and husband Scott of Davenport, Iowa

One son:

James Michael Lambert of Arkoma, Oklahoma

Two sisters:

Teresa Pearrow of Arkoma, Oklahoma

Josephine Curtis of Centerville, Iowa

Six grandchildren

16 great-grandchildren

Numerous other relatives and a host of friends

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Lambert; three sisters, Bethel Spies, Ann Adams, and Velma Houser; and two brothers, Joseph Columbus and Richard Columbus.

Bernice was a long-time resident of Arkoma, a homemaker, and a retired seamstress. She loved to make quilts for her family and friends. Bernice also loved to cook, bake and care for her family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

No services are planned at this time. Bernice's cremains will be buried with her husband in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Cremation Center of Poteau, Oklahoma.