"Barb was a lovely person, who was always pleasant and friendly. Will always remember her fondly."
Barbara Ilene Bernett, a long-time resident of Quincy, IL, and recently of Austin, TX, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 16th. She was 87 years old.
She was born on April 1, 1935, in a farmhouse in Newcomb Township near Fisher, IL. She attended Bell School, a small one-room schoolhouse located across the road from her home. She later went to Fisher High School where she graduated in 1953, and then to Illinois State University where she graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education in 1957.
In 1955 Barbara married Richard Bernett. After a few years in Norfolk, VA, and Carbondale, IL, they moved to Quincy in 1963. It was there that they raised three sons - Mark, Brent, and Todd. She lived in Quincy for the next 57 years, where she developed many deep friendships through her church, job, and neighborhood.
Her professional career involved substitute teaching at Quincy High School for a few years during the late 1970's. In 1978 she joined the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services office in Quincy, where she worked as a child welfare case worker for 24 years. She was well respected by all her colleagues and was recognized with several awards, but her passion centered around the safety and well-being of children. That's where she got her true job satisfaction.
Barbara was very committed to her faith throughout her lifetime and became a member of St. James Lutheran Church in 1963. Her passion for children was again evident through her 37 years of teaching Sunday School and her support of St. James Lutheran School. She was also very active in volunteering at the church and was a member of LWML for many years.
She was blessed during her lifetime with several grandchildren - Brecken, Montana, and Clark. In 2020 she moved to Austin to be close to Mark and his family during the last stage of her life. In 2021 she was blessed with her first great-granddaughter - Cora. She loved to spend time with her family and friends and always spoiled them with her cooking and baking, especially around the holidays.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Velma (Lester) Beasley, and her sister, Wanda Mitchell. She is survived by her sons, Mark (Andrea) Bernett of Austin, TX, Brent Bernett of Galesburg, IL, and Todd Bernett of Austin, TX; grandchildren Brecken (Victoria) Anderson, Montana Bernett, and Clark Bernett; great-granddaughter Cora Anderson; brother Duane (Delores) Beasley of Lincoln, IL; nieces and nephews Vicki (Michael) Hohf, Becky (Jim) Baker, Debra Walters, David (Bobbie) Beasley, and Donald (Janet) Beasley. Additional family members include Marilyn (Everett) Heiser, Maryann Bernett, Brian (Nancy) Heiser, Diana (Doug) Williams, Tony (Dixie) Bernett, Holly Bernett, Matt Bernett, and numerous others.
Services: 10:00 am Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Marlin Rempfer officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery.
Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Tuesday June 28, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorial donations may be made to St. James Lutheran Church or St. James Lutheran School. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
"Barb was a lovely person, who was always pleasant and friendly. Will always remember her fondly."
"John and I are very sorry to hear of the passing of Barb. She was such a great and caring neighbor to Dad ( Kenneth Kroencke), and we appreciated all that she did for him. I always enjoyed visiting with Barb when I visited Dad. She will be missed, but will always be in the hearts of loved ones. "
"My friendship with Barbara began here in Austin at Atria Senior Living. I found her to be a kind and friendly resident.It was my privilege to know her and share some meals with her. My sincere sympathy to her loving family who cared for her in the most loving way. May God continue to bless you as you release her into God?s loving arms as she finished her earthly journey and now has her new beginning."
"Condolences to Barb's Family, I enjoyed volunteering at Blessing Hospital with her for a number of years. Dick Wentura "
"Mark and family, I am sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Chuy Garcia"
"Dear Mark (and Andrea and family), my sincere condolences with your loss. Take the time to deal with your grieve and sorrow. And especially take time to remember the good times and memories of better days. Take care. "
"Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences. Pls know that your mom will always be with you, in your heart! Our prayers are with you and your family."
"Mark, praying for you and your family as you grieve the loss of your mother. May she rest in peace. "
"Mark, I am so sorry for your loss.. you did so much for your mom..I know she is very proud of you!! She is in heaven looking down on you smiling .. She will always be in your heart and memory. She is looking out for you upstairs !! Be well my friend.. Talk to you upon your return !!! Until then know your mom is at peace with the lord!! "
"I am so sad to hear of Barb's passing. I did her hair for over 25 years every Friday. She was a wonderful person and a great friend. Todd, you and your brothers have my deepest sympathy. Linda Willing "
"Sorry for your loss. May her soul be at peace, and her memories stay with you forever! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Loved her sweet personality and giving heart! She is enjoying God greatest gifts!"
"Sorry for your loss. Duane Linda Robinson "
"Always enjoyed Barb when I did her and Todd hair. She will be missed!"