WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
JoAnn (Gillette) Berna, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, January 2, 2024 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born April 15, 1935, in Bryan, Ohio, only child of Byron and Gertrude (Beamer) Collins.
JoAnn resided in Sturgis since 1959, coming from Defiance, Ohio.
On September 27, 1953, she married Clyde Gillette. This marriage ended in divorce. She married Leldon “Pete” Berna August 22, 1978, and he preceded her in death.
She had been employed by LBJ Manor Adult Foster Care from 1981-1987, ARCH Workshop for 13 years and delivered the Detroit Free Press and News for 13 years retiring in 1997.
JoAnn was a member of Sturgis Church of Christ and enjoyed cross stitch and loved time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter: Gloria (Dave) Badinger of Mattawan, nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughters: Karen Stevens and Lori Crapo and sons: Kevin Gillette and Martin Gillette.
In honoring JoAnn’s wishes, cremation will take place. Private graveside services and interment of the remains will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Sturgis Church of Christ, 901 N. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
