JoAnn Bernard Obituary

JoAnn Bernard June 7, 1945- April 20, 2024

KINGSPORT - JoAnn Bernard, age 78, of Kingsport, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at home. She was born on June 7, 1945 to the late Fred Thomas and Velcie Lola Greene Massengill. She was also preceded in death by her infant granddaughter: Crystal Dingus; brothers: Fred Thomas Massengill, Jr. and Charles Massengill; sisters: Mary Lee Fauver, Mamie Anderson, Paula Odom, Betty Sue Massengill, Loretta McCray; and her husband of 51 years, Beryl William "Bill" Bernard, Jr.

JoAnn was a Girl Scout leader for many years, a homeroom mother through elementary school years, involved with the PTA, and a band booster who worked lots of concessions. She loved gardening, berry picking and canning vegetables, salsa, jams and jellies. Her salsa won her ribbons each time she entered in the Farmers Market contests. But what she was most proud of was her family, whom she loved beyond measure.

JoAnn leaves behind to mourn her passing are her daughters: Michelle (Sam) Dingus and Kimberly Bernard (fiance' Scott Buchanan); son: Michael (Erica) Bernard. Grandchildren: Darien Dingus, Sean Dingus, Christian Dingus, Amelia (Austin) Brown, Jackson (Isabella) Bernard and William Bernard. Great grandchildren: Damien Dingus and Madeline Dingus, and a new great grandson on the way.

A funeral service to commemorate the life of JoAnn, will be conducted from the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 with Rev. Harry Layell officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Garden of Everlasting Life I at East Lawn Memorial Park immediately following the service. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the service begins.